I’m going to be honest here (not that I ever try not to be), I’ve always been very self-conscious of my legs…or at least for as long as I can remember. Not that I’ve ever really had a reason to be, they’ve just always felt like one of my “trouble” areas. Not because they’re see-through (aka super pale 😉 ) or because they bruise easily and show every spot, ding or scrape; I didn’t like them because I didn’t like their size or shape. It’s taken me years to learn to love my legs, to see their size as a sign of their strength and ability to carry me through life and run 13.1 miles (hopefully 26.2 someday).
Regardless of having learned these lessons, I’m not someone who you’ll often see in shorts and even if you do, chances are more often than not, inside my head I’m wishing I could put pants on instead.
Since I started running and working out consistently a few years ago, I have bought gym shorts and will wear them from time to time but I still mostly wear leggings or capris. Not that there’s anything wrong with that but what I’m getting at is the realization that I came to earlier this week as I dressed for some sprints…
I threw on my Lululemon shorts, sports bra and a tank top; put my hair back in a ponytail and slipped on a headband; then socks and shoes on my feet.
I was debating going to CrossFit later after work and wanted to work from the coffee shop for a few hours after so I figured I’d skip my shower for later. I had decided to attend one of the later CrossFit classes when a friend asked me to hang out. I told her I was going to workout and feared if I went home after to shower that I wouldn’t leave my house again so if she didn’t mind me coming as I was, then I was totally down. She didn’t care so I packed some post-WOD fuel and when I was done working for the day, made my way to the box.
I understand for many this may not be a big deal but for me it was. Not that I was walking around town in my post-workout sweat (fyi-my friend promised she couldn’t smell me!) but that I was walking around town in shorts. And not just any shorts…I was in my short and tight workout shorts – booty shorts if you will. That’s when it hit me…
I am so much more confident in my skin and in my body!
And while years of hard work are definitely to play, my biggest strides have come since starting CrossFit in May…I’m sure of it!
To some I’m sure this boost in confidence makes total sense but for me, this is all coming as a huge, unexpected (but welcomed) surprise. I know not everyday will be great or that I’ll feel as confident, but it’s nice to know that I’m headed in the right direction and rockin’ this body that I’ve been given!
Are you a shorts wearer?
That’s awesome. I would have to agree. I’m actually a little bigger than when I started CrossFit, but more confident. And I definitely rock the shorts.
rock it woman! what ashley said.. COULD NOT AGREE MORE!
Thanks, girl!! <3 <3
1) Of course you’re confident and comfortable in your body! If you weren’t, you wouldn’t post pictures of it all over the internet! Silly!
2) This body wasn’t “given” to you… you earned it!
LOL!!! I guess that’s true…I guess it’s just me realizing a significant change in my body confidence especially compared to oh so many years ago. 🙂
I should probably be a little less comfortable walking around stinky… LOL!
Seriously though, good for you! This made me smile for you. 🙂
Yeah my ability to walk around stinky might need to be reeled in too… 😉
That’s so awesome that crossfit has given you more confidence! Im all for anything that boosts someone’s confidence.
Right?! Me too! Wish I found it YEARS ago… 😉
😀 Love hearing stories like this. I’ve definitely found myself getting a lot more confident over the years, and while exercise played a huge role in that, I think a big part of it was just getting older in general. Like… I look back at pictures of myself when I was younger and I can’t help but think “What the hell were you complaining about back then?!?! You were gorgeous!”…. so I figure that any insecurities I feel are all in my head and not an actual representation of reality.
Our insecurities are definitely NOT reality, it’s always great when we can actually recognize that though!
Couldn’t agree with this post more. CrossFit has changed me in ways I can’t even describe! I’m so much more confident in my looks, my decisions and my self in general.
Isn’t it kind of crazy how that works? But I love it! Pass the kool-aid.. 😉
You go girl! Love this. 🙂
Thanks, girl! <3