Screw the Skinny Jeans

This post is a comment on the conversations many of us women share at the gym: how to feel OK with the number on the scale.  

Some of us increase our weight on purpose for competitions and performance.  If you lift, you probably understand this. During these times of "higher weight" (even if performance goes up) some of us continue to mind-battle that our skinny jeans feel much tighter than usual or don't fit at all.  

Weight and performance can be a constant struggle that takes up too much of our time and energy.  I posted the link below as the author was authentic and real and didn't offer a simple solution (there isn't one). 

But there is hope in regards to freedom from the mind-battle.  Yes, it does help to have a crew of supportive, strong women and men to validate your strength and performance and to also be one of the crew members who validate other women.  There are also some things you can do on your own to win your freedom...it takes practice to change the thoughts that contribute to the struggle, but it is possible.  

First, you have to recognize the thoughts when they come up.  After that initial awareness its time to fight for clarity.  Every time a thought pops up that creates a struggle within you take a deep breath, say a prayer, meditate, use mindfulness to focus on your 5 senses....in other words, create some momentary space between you and your thoughts.  Your thoughts are NOT you.  You can learn to take control of your thoughts through practice (just like you practice for a skill in the gym or sport).  Eventually the mind-battle will lessen in frequency and intensity.  You are NOT your thoughts.  Enjoy your healthy, strong body and screw the skinny jeans!!!

http://www.catalystathletics.com/articles/article.php?articleID=1839