Wednesday, January 28, 2015

My Trophies

Can I be a Wednesday only blogger?

Meaning one big bang of confessions with Melissa and all my greatest blog friends, where the mood would always be light, there'd be no subtext or worry, plenty of photos, lot's of links and gaggles of gifs!

Today's confessions could go so many different directions, but I thought I'd reserve the day for my MCM (Muscle Crush Monday) photo. Haha. Dang why didn't I think of "muscle crush monday" when I posted this? The best I could come up with was Gains > MCM everything.


Not only did I get instagram love, I had office love all day long: "How did you do it?," "Where did those come from?", "I saw your guns, I'm not going to mess with you", "Are you changing up your workouts?"

to which I say, "wait you don't follow me on instagram?" ha.

Listen.

:: It's easy to photograph muscle when you're flexing.
:: Black / white filter makes the gains look deeper.
:: It was actually leg day when I took this.
:: Nutrition and hydration are the foundation, weight lifting is the cherry on top.
:: The smirk is the best part of the whole photo.
:: No, real real best part is my pretty hidden bird for anyone who doesn't think strong is beautiful.
:: After all that demystifying, yes I do actually have those muscles and I work hard for them.

The confession? I still can't do a pull up.

These arms, while aggressive in the photo above, have been a part of a bigger plan. When I only pack a tank top option for the gym I'm reminded of how far I've come. "Making" these arms has been a way to erase years of insecurities, a way to turn my insecurities into trophies, a way to change the way I feel about my entire body and a pretty great way to expand my warm weather wardrobe.

I don't want to become a body builder, I don't want to get "jacked" and I don't walk around all day with this flex game. I walk around confidently and that's what matters.

Speaking of muscles, I tuned into Miss Universe after some pretty funny live tweets (no, funny Bachelor tweets don't cause the same reaction) and was a little surprised to not see more booty, more legs, more arms, more abs. Not saying for a single second that these women weren't gorgeous, poised and of course sophisticated - but after all of the squatspo I'm exposed to I've formed a specific view of what a woman's body looks like when she "takes care of it".

Full circle - life isn't just what we see on instagram.

Yep, that's all I've got. What do you think Channing?

Making Melissa

11 comments

Amy's Fashion Blog said...

You look amazing

P!nky said...

Your arms are BEAST, lady! Way to rock it out!!!! I'm getting the upper arm definition and am STOKED! I actually saw it at the gym the other day and did a happy dance, which the husband laughed at me about.

No pain, no gain. Keep gaining!

Kathy@MoreCoffeeLessTalky said...

so when you see your muscles, do you actually want to kiss them too? just me? LOL

for real, seeing all of your hard work pay off is the most motivating thing EVER. it's why i always pick the front row during muay thai warmup because i can seem my muscles flexing etc :D

Rachel @ Love, Rachel said...

You look great!!

MakeMeUpMia said...

Your arms look AMAZING :) You rock, I'm right there with you. I don't want to look beefy but I want to feel comfortable & confident. I'm proud of myself too!

Anonymous said...

I've just recently started working out my arms and I'm becoming really into it... I don't want flabby arms! You look amazing and you've worked hard for it!

Kenzie Smith said...

Seriously though you arms look fantastic! I have been going to the gym quite a bit lately and it has been so nice!

Kay R. said...

You still got it girl!! My arms can only hope to look like that one day! You'll be able to do a pullup in no time Im sure!

MacKensie said...

OWOWWWWWW SEXY MAMA! You can't fake guns like that regardless of filters, lady. You inspire me.

Amanda - Voyage of the MeeMee said...

Damn girl! You are lookin' GOOD!

Unknown said...

You go girl! Inspiring blog. Hope you're well!