After navigating through a particularly challenging period in my life, I’ve found my way back to a regular exercise routine. Now, six to seven days a week, I’m sweating it out in the early mornings, well before my partner and kids are up and bustling around. After nearly every workout, I take a quick snapshot, affectionately dubbed a “sweaty selfie,” and share it on Facebook. My captions often reflect the struggle—how tough the workout was, the exhilaration I feel, the amount I’ve perspired, or just how I almost didn’t make it through.
I can only imagine that some folks in my feed roll their eyes at my daily workout selfies. They might think I’m self-absorbed, seeking attention, or just fishing for compliments about how amazing I am. But those assumptions couldn’t be further from the truth.
These days, social media can be a breeding ground for negativity, yet there’s a growing wave of individuals working to counteract that with positivity. Some share hilarious memes or touching videos. I’m part of a community that posts images of us lifting weights or glistening with sweat. We aren’t boasting; instead, we aim to inspire through our workout selfies.
The images of us in various poses or just cooling down in the locker room are meant to motivate others. If someone scrolling through Instagram is contemplating shedding baby weight, we want to show them that it’s possible. If a young woman is battling body image issues, we want to demonstrate that strength can indeed be beautiful. Plus, these selfies serve as a personal reminder of my own progress. When I doubt my improvements, I can scroll through my photos and see how far I’ve come.
People naturally want to share what they are proud of. We showcase our children’s first dance performances or baseball games, flaunt our latest crafts, and post mouthwatering photos of our home-cooked meals. We do this because we want to celebrate those special moments in life.
For me, my pride lies in my body. I’m proud of its capabilities, how much it has transformed, and the strength I’ve gained. After years of hiding beneath oversized clothing, my self-esteem has blossomed, and I want to embrace this new chapter by showcasing my fitter, stronger self. If it’s acceptable to post a picture of dinner, why shouldn’t I feel free to share a photo of my flushed, sweaty face?
I strive to give others the benefit of the doubt, and I hope they extend the same courtesy to me. When they see my sweaty grin in the morning, I hope they understand that it’s not for validation. It’s about love for myself, my body, and what I’m accomplishing. It’s also a way to potentially uplift others. Ultimately, it’s my feed, and I’ll post what I desire. There’s a lot of negativity on social media, but my workout selfies should not be one of them. If you’re interested in more on this topic, check out this post on Cervical Insemination.
Summary:
In this piece, I advocate for sharing workout selfies, emphasizing their role in promoting positivity and motivation in a world often clouded by negativity. These images serve not just as personal milestones but also as inspiration for others who may be on their own fitness journeys. It’s about celebrating progress and fostering a supportive community.
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