I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t consciously thinking about my weight. I’ve always been proud of my body and the life it breathes into me, but I would be lying if I said there weren’t ups and downs in my relationship with body image.
Seeing Amazon Studios’ Brittany Runs a Marathon brought those feelings back up, front and center. Brittany’s story, expertly played by Jillian Bell, is one we’ve all probably experienced before. She visits her doctor and is told she has to lose a lot of weight or face serious health risks.
We all know this is easier said than done. But what really stood out to me in Brittany Runs a Marathon and stopped me in my seat is that one doctor’s visit sparks a series of changes. Changes that I’ve always wanted to implement in my own life and body image but have been too scared or unmotivated too, similar to Jillian Bell’s character.
Three years ago, I bought a membership with the NYC Recreation Center which was waaaay cheaper than joining the gym. I convinced my friend to join with me for better accountability. For awhile, I was super focused and committed to working out every week. I alternated between zumba and spin classes, and did a lot of cardio. For a time, I was really happy with my progress and how dedicated I was to going. It wasn’t even about losing weight, but more about keeping active and giving back to the body that fuels me.
And then, I just stopped. Because life got hard. And I don’t do well with change.
I came back a year later, only to stop again because of a personal situation that I’m still in the midst of. Here’s the thing. Losing weight is never as easy as those rom-coms or Instagram tell you. And when you do lose the weight, your problems aren’t automatically fixed. Those insecurities are still there. The need to hide the emotionally broken parts of yourself doesn’t disappear. The body image hell you go through day in and day out doesn’t suddenly become all sunshine and rainbows.
It takes hard work to heal and grow, both for the physical and the emotional.
Sitting in that theatre, watching my own fitness journey play out before me, was the kick I needed to get my fitness journey back on track. Brittany Runs a Marathon made me realize that I struggle with making bigger goals because I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep them.
So this is my promise to my body and spirit, in writing. I won’t let anything get in the way of my fitness journey. Not even me. My body takes me where I need to go, so I need to do everything I can to treat it with the respect it deserves.
After you watch Brittany Runs a Marathon, grab these comfy but functional workout clothes for your next run.
11 Comments
wishfulluxury
August 26, 2019 at 4:47 amI always try to join a gym and stick to it but it never happens! I really want to get back into my fitness again for the new academic year!
Cassandra Rose
August 26, 2019 at 8:39 pmMy goal is to be more intentional and make a plan for each week that is reasonable and that I’m more likely to stick to!
Crickette, The Things I Have to Say
August 26, 2019 at 7:30 amI used to be quite active in the gym but then I kinda stopped. I got a bike recently and when I feel motivated, I go around the sudivision but it’s still not enough.
I miss working out with zest. I miss having workout clothes. I really have to find the right motivation. It seems so elusive when you’ve stopped being active for so long.
Cassandra Rose
August 26, 2019 at 8:41 pmI agree 100%! Seeing the workout clothes whenever I walk past stores makes me want to pick it up again. I’ve been wanting to go biking for a long time but keep second guessing what path I should take and if I could do it. I’m going to try biking near my job and go from there!
Dalene Ekirapa
August 26, 2019 at 11:22 amSometimes, we just have to get conscious and do what’s best for our health. Anyway, I’ve never had to lose weight since I’m the usual slim type but this doesn’t exempt me from lifestyle conditions. That’s why I’m always trying my best to stay fit at the gym, during hikes and even some athletics once in a while.
babygotbalance
August 26, 2019 at 11:41 amJust like everything else it’s progress over perfection! In my opinion self-awareness is always the first step (and the biggest hurdle) and it sounds like you have a ton of it and are on the right track.
Liz @ Scary Tech for Bloggers
August 26, 2019 at 6:08 pmFitness is a constant, personal, and very emotional thing. It’s so tied into self-esteem, and so challenging!
musingsandadventureswriter
August 26, 2019 at 8:10 pmI gotta resume exercising for cardio. Sumemr has just been crazy. Although, walking around NYC and chasing MTA daily is itself a chore lol.
Autumn
August 27, 2019 at 10:33 amI love working out, specifally cycling. It is just trying to fit it in with everything else going on is what I struggle with. Love your pics for workout gear in this post!
rockabillyspoonie
August 27, 2019 at 11:03 amI was a personal trainer, super fit & healthy, and then I got ill. Since becoming ill my fitness has suffered and so I have recently started to gently work out again with a hope I can get back to where i was.
zehravictoria
August 27, 2019 at 10:15 pmGetting motivated to work out regularly is quite difficult, but once you manage to make fitness and workout part of your daily routine it gets easier. You stop thinking about it, you just so it. And after you see results it gets addictive!