Even though I have lost 164lbs and I am at my doctor’s goal weight…
Even though I have been doing crossfit 4-5 days a week for almost 2 years and eat a very clean diet (90% of the time)…
Even though I am a certified personal trainer and a Spartan, a Rugged Maniac, a Warrior and a Triathlete…
This is what my body looks like (almost) naked
Because of this I try very hard to stay focused on fitness goals as my measure of success rather than my appearance, or the number on the scale, or the size of my jeans, but sometimes, just sometimes, I forget…
I am extremely passionate about sharing my story and the lessons I’ve learned in hopes of inspiring others to live their own I’mperfect Life!
MAY 16, 2014
A few weeks ago I did just that…I forgot. I was faced with a “Look Good Naked Challenge” at my gym that I knew I had no chance in hell of winning. I remembered that summer was just around the corner and realized that I would go a 25th year wearing shorts over my bathing suit to hide the legs I’ve hated since I was 11. I tried on a jean skirt that I wanted so bad only to see my misshapen knees that have kept me from wearing anything above them throughout all of my adult years, and out of nowhere it hit me like a ton of bricks…I felt frustrated, discouraged and sad. Like really, really sad. I even cried a little. I felt like all the hard work that I’d been doing wasn’t paying off and it made me want to give up.
I spent a good week or so feeling sorry for myself, getting caught up in the vanity of it all. I didn’t work as hard at the gym, I didn’t eat as well as I usually do and every time I looked in the mirror I felt worse than I had the time before.
I can’t recall if there was something specific that got me to pull my head out of my ass, but fortunately something did. (could have just been the end of my period…fricken hormones!) Regardless of what it was, I decided that it was time to REALLY celebrate what my ugly body CAN DO rather than focus on what it looks like…or doesn’t look like. So I asked my friend Emily, the amazing photographer, to take some pictures of me DOING the THINGS I have NEVER, EVER…EVER in my entire life…not even as a kid (with the exception of the cartwheel) have been able to do until now.
So here you go! Today I am celebrating what my body is capable of doing because of the lifestyle changes that I’ve made and the hard work I’ve done in and out of the gym.
I am PROUD of my ugly body because...
THIS BACK AND THOSE ARMS
ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO DO THIS (no strings attached!)
THIS BACKSIDE
CAN DO A CARTWHEEL A GRACEFUL AS ANY (NOVICE) GYMNAST
THESE SADDLEBAGS, STRETCH MARKS AND CELLULITE
CAN’T STOP ME FROM BEING SUPER FLEXIBLE
THAT LOOSE UNDERARM SKIN
DOESN’T MEAN I CAN’T CLIMB THIS THING
THE REMAINING FAT ALL OVER MY BODY
DOESN’T MEAN I’M NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO FLIP A FLIPPIN TIRE
MY FLABBY TUMMY
HAS THE CORE STRENGTH THAT ALLOWS ME TO ACT LIKE KID
THESE PUDGY LEGS
PROVIDE ME WITH ENOUGH STRENGTH AND STABILITY TO DO A ONE LEGGED SQUAT (with great amounts of concentration!)
AND THIS…ALL OF THIS
WOULDN’T KEEP ME FROM LOOKING STRONG AND SEXY…
IF I LIVED ON THE MOON
Besides, I still look cute in a pair of jeans…
AND I’M…
BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY
NO MATTER HOW UNCOMFORTABLE I AM DISPLAYING MY BODY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS…
I NEVER, EVER WANT TO BE AS UNCOMFORTABLE AS I WAS IN THIS BODY 365 DAYS A YEAR
PS: This post was originally written in May of 2014. Since then I have been pregnant three times and have given birth to two baby boys! (4/2016 and 1/2018)
There's no such thing as before and after, only then and now, but I still love my ugly body, and I'm on a mission to help other women love their's too!
CLICK HERE to read the latest in my “Ugly Body Evolution”!
PRESS HIGHLIGHTS
Hi,
I am 38, with three kids, 90kg weight and 5,6’ height, I was a a basketball player until I finished me school, I was very slim but now it upside down, I am so stressed out and feel hungry all the time, help me!!!
Hi Zrey, I’m not sure I can do a good job of helping just by responding to your comment so I invite you to join the private (FREE) I’mperfect Life Facebook group where we have a community of amazing women who are all working to live their best, happy, healthy, I’mperfect Life. <3 Facebook.com/groups/iplcommunity I hope to see you there! <3 Andrea
I just read your awesome story. I am a 55 year old first time grandmother with about 190 pounds I need to lose. I admire everything you had to say. I have fought this battle all of my adult life. Losing only to regain. My health has taken many hits, but I continued to work (as a massage therapist) until march of last year when I went out on disability due to a variety of health issues. Needless to say I have not lost the weight, and I am hopefully having weight loss surgery by the end of the year. Your story gives me hope though. I know I can do this, and that I will be stronger than ever and able to live to see my granddaughter (and hopefully many more ) grow up. I will have to deal with the loose skin and other issues but your positive attitude makes me want to be a healthier better human being. regardless of how I will look (naked) my hubby loves me just the way I am. I will finally be able to go for a walk around the block with him, then around the park and then hiking maybe.
Thank you for inspiring me to be a better me.
Doni
Yes! All of that! I’m so excited for you! An amazing, full life is just around the corner! I hope you will keep in touch! <3
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Hello my name is Regina. I spent all of my teenage years and most of my adult years at near 300 lbs. I am down to 171 lbs. Resulting in a lot of loose sink and flab. Took awhile to accept that. I still look in the mirror at times and see that 300 lb person. Sometimes by clothes too big because can’t wrap my head around wearing a size 10 when I’ve always been a plus size. My husband loves me the way I am and that is the best motivation to love myself the way I am also. I love your story. You are awesome for your self accomplishments and now encouraging others. God bless
Wow Regina! That’s fantastic! I’m so happy for you! Thank you for taking the time to read my post and share your comment with me. I hope you find your size 10 brain soon! The brain is the slowest part to catch up. 🙂
Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking those wonderful pictures and publishing them. I have struggled with my weight my entire life. At one time I got down to 125 (from 257), but have gained some weight back and am in the process of trying (again) to lose the weight I don’t want on my body. Your photos have been the most inspirational pictures I have ever seen. Usually, I find photos of people who have lost 100,200,300 pounds, but somehow look like they’ve been a size 2 their whole lives. Although i’m happy for them, I always wondered why they look like that when all I have is flabby stomach, flabby arms, huge legs. Your reality check of showing how a “real” person looks after weight loss is the kick in the butt I have needed to see that i’m not alone and my body is normal. Thank you so much for being honest with your struggles and encouragement of focusing on how much healthier I am now instead of being miserable that I don’t look like those size 2 ladies. I have pinned your story and photos so every time I get down on myself for having such loose skin, I can remind myself of the true purpose in trying to lose weight – because I want to be healthier!!
Hi Sue! Thanks for taking the time to share that with me. I love hearing that my words (and pictures) are inspiring others. <3 If you didn't see my most recent post you might appreciate that too, since I have gained a bit of weight since these pictures were taken. 🙂 https:imperfectlife.com/nobeforeandafter <3
Happy and healthy! That's what we should all strive for, right? Hugs!
I would love to keep reading your articles. Were can I find your post?
They are on this site. There hundreds of posts from years of writing. You can also subscribe to my mailing list and I’ll send periodic updates at http://www.imperfectlife.com/subscribe
Thank you so much for visiting my site. I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying my articles. ❤️
Andrea you look so impressive after this huge weight loss. I wonder how you achieved this mammoth target. You have a great energy and devotion to achieve this smart figure. I also a similar case as of your past and endeavouring to follow your footprints. Please advise me how should I get from 145 kg to 90. Its a difficult journey but I am more than willing to embark upon.