Body Positivity for Women: How to Love Your Body & End Comparisonitis
In the age of social media, we are constantly surrounded by flawlessly filtered images of beautiful people. It’s tough not to give in to the dreaded game of comparisonitis. “I wish my abs looked like hers!” “Why aren’t I that tiny?” “How is it so easy for HER to look like that?”
It’s a totally normal reaction to the pressures we face today to look perfect but it’s absolutely possible to beat these unhealthy negative thoughts! Body positivity is SO important for your well being and quality of life! Here are some tips for ditching the negative self talk and comparison game once and for all.
1. Take the focus off of aesthetics when it comes to your body and training.
Choose to set goals around strength and performance in the gym. While the scale is one good indicator that things are moving in the right direction, it’s not the only indicator.
You can measure progress in so many ways, and setting goals based on your body’s ABILITIES over appearance will keep your concentration on how you feel rather than how you look. A positive change in your body’s overall appearance will be a sweet bonus and your mindset will be so much healthier!
Some great goals to work towards might include:
- Learn how to perform an unassisted pull up.
- Run your first 5k race.
- Achieve a new squat PR.
- Trying one new group fitness class each week.
- Progress in how long you can hold a plank.
All of these are great ways to appreciate your body for all it’s capable of. The stronger you feel, the more confident and powerful you will feel in your skin. Trust me, over time, that will translate to physical changes as well!
2. Practice affirmations.
You might think this one sounds silly but it really does work! You have to reframe the way you see yourself to let go of the comparison game. It’s a classic case of fake it til you make it.
If you change the story you tell yourself about who you are and what you’re worth, you will, over time, start to see those changes truly feel genuine for you! You can repeat these in the mirror, on your way to work, or write them out in a journal where you can see them daily in your own handwriting to make it feel more real for you.
Some affirmations you might want to practice each day include:
- I am beautiful
- My body is strong and powerful
- I love my body because of what it can do for me
- My worth isn’t defined by my weight
- 5 things I love about my body are ____
- I love the way I feel when I take care of myself
3. Remember that no two bodies are alike!
Genetically your body is completely different from another woman’s. You build muscle differently, store fat differently, and have your own shape!
Chances are, if you’re looking at another woman and admiring something about her that you don’t have, she’s doing the same thing! Appreciate all of the wonderful things about YOU that you love!
4. Focus on being better than you were yesterday. You are, in fact, your only competition!
Take the focus off of others by comparing yourself instead to your old self! Take progress photos often! Keeping a record of progress at least once per week helps you to monitor improvements in your physique!
Seeing your body change over time will help you refocus on being your own best self. Ultimately, if you’re getting better every day, how can you not love the person you see in the mirror?!
5. Practice self care and do so OFTEN!
I would say that this tip is truly what created the most self love in my life! While self care CAN be about spoiling yourself here and there, I think first and foremost, it’s about nourishing your body and giving it the time and attention it deserves!
To me, this means having a consistent and enjoyable workout routine and enjoying a diet that is non restrictive but also provides your body with all of the nutrients it needs.
You’ll feel great internally because your energy levels will improve and you’ll see a spike in endorphins. More than that though, knowing how much time you have dedicated to maintaining yourself will create the feeling that you truly DESERVE to love your body! You’ve been pouring your dedication into making it the very best it can be.
Figure out how many days per week feels like a reasonable, sustainable time commitment for you to workout and hold yourself to a schedule! Prioritizing YOU for an hour is a reminder that caring for yourself is of the utmost importance.
Start tracking your food intake using My Fitness Pal. Notice what nutrients your body is lacking and work to make them a priority.
Are You Struggling With Body Image?
Do you struggle with comparing yourself to others? Do you want to learn to love yourself and your body but don’t know where to start?
If you’re ready to commit yourself to being your best YOU, I currently have openings for customized training and nutrition coaching. I’ve been where you’re at and know what it’s like to feel like you’re constantly comparing yourself and your body to others!
Finding a training and nutrition plan that worked for me was the greatest thing I ever did for my self love journey!
If you’re ready to make a change and give your body the care and love it deserves, you can APPLY HERE for customized training and nutrition programs. I’m excited to help you build a body you LOVE while feeling more powerful and confident than ever!
Once your application is received, I will get in touch with you to discuss packages, pricing, and program details so together we can build up your body confidence and have you feeling your best!
