Today someone asked me, “Have you been losing weight?” I laughed and said, “I really don’t know because I don’t weigh myself.”
This really got me thinking. What if I don’t want to lose weight? What if my goal is to gain muscle and slim down? Why do we care so much about a number?
We need to come together and make a change. Instead of asking ‘Have you lost weight?’ let’s ask ‘Have you been lifting weights?’ I can guarantee this will make the other person feel more confident. It will let them know that it’s obvious they are looking stronger.
I think we are at the point where everyone knows the advantages weight lifting brings, so let’s start to put more emphasis on weights, rather than weight.
I have never disclosed my weight on my blog or on any form of social media for this very reason. I don’t feel like it’s necessary. From August of 2010 to February 2012, I lost seventy-two pounds. Since then I have gained back twenty to twenty-five of those pounds (depending on the day). It has taken a long time for me to accept the fact that I may never get back down to that weight. I’m trying to train myself, as well, that the number does not matter.
Here is my proof. Would you believe me if I told you I weigh twenty pounds more in the photo on the right?
Well, I do. The photo on the left was taken in 2012, when I was at my lowest. The BIG difference here is not weight but weights.
I have a feeling I will have to come back and read my own words in times of doubt.
Rather than stepping on the scale, I highly recommend taking progress pictures, take measurements and go off of how your clothes fit. And let’s start asking, ‘Have you been lifting weights?’
Oh, and if you don't lift already, what are you waiting for?
