After navigating a particularly tough time in my life, I’ve hopped back on the fitness train. Now, six or seven mornings a week, I’m sweating it out before my partner and kids are even awake. Almost every workout ends with me capturing a “sweaty selfie” to share on Facebook. My captions range from how tough it was to how great I feel and how drenched I am—or how I thought I might just collapse.
I can only imagine that some folks on my feed roll their eyes at my daily workout snapshots. They might think I’m being vain or that I’m just fishing for compliments about how awesome I am. But guess what? They’d be mistaken.
Social media can often be a dark pit of negativity, but there’s a rising tide of people trying to counter that with positive vibes. While some share hilarious memes or heartwarming videos, I’m part of a crew that posts photos of ourselves lifting weights or dripping with sweat. We’re not bragging; we’re genuinely trying to inspire.
Those snapshots of us in downward dog or lounging in the locker room are meant to motivate. If someone out there is contemplating shedding some post-baby weight, we want to show them it’s possible. If there’s a young woman grappling with her body image, we aim to demonstrate that strength can be beautiful. And let’s not forget, these selfies serve as personal motivation too. A picture speaks volumes, and when I’m feeling stagnant, I can scroll through my pics to see how far I’ve come.
People share what they’re proud of. We post pictures of our kids’ first dance recitals or baseball games, showcase our latest knitting project, or share that perfect chili recipe that reminds us of home. We share these moments because they matter to us, and we want to celebrate them.
For me, I take pride in my body and its capabilities. I’m thrilled about its transformation and how many push-ups I can now do. After years of hiding under baggy sweatshirts, my self-esteem has soared, and I’m ready to show off my stronger, leaner physique. If someone can post a picture of their dinner, why can’t I share a sweaty, flushed selfie?
I try to give people the benefit of the doubt and hope my friends on social media do the same. When they wake up and see my sweaty grin, I hope they don’t think I’m seeking validation. I do it because I love my body and what I’m accomplishing. I do it to inspire others and, let’s be honest, it’s my feed, so I’ll post what I please. Facebook has plenty of things to critique, but my workout selfies aren’t one of them.
This article was originally published on November 14, 2016.
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Summary:
In this article, Jamie Clark defends the practice of sharing workout selfies on social media. She argues that these images are meant to inspire and motivate others, not to boast. By celebrating personal achievements in fitness, she hopes to foster a positive community amid the negativity often found online. Ultimately, her posts serve as a testament to her journey toward self-love and body positivity.