I just got my video of filming that I got done to get advice of my strokes. Of course, there were alot of things that I need to work. The main thing is that I was morified by how fat I looked. I am glad that I got the filming to get advice but it is hard to watch it because I look so fat.
Well, this is a good wake up call that I need to get back in shape and really get my training in gear because I really didn't do it this last 6 months. I would go three weeks without any dry land and could go weeks where I only swim three times a week.
Parents
Former Member
OK, let's take on the "fat" issue head on. Pay no attention to photos and video tapes of yourself. We have all been brain-washed by the popular media into accepting as "normal" bodies that are so unreal they border on science fiction.
Don't believe me? Let's review the bidding, shall we, about the people on the covers of popular magazines. In what ways are they...unrepresentative of most of us. First, they are the top 0.05% of the population in terms of physical attractiveness. They all look like movie stars because they are selected from a pool of such people. You and I do not look like movie stars. We could wear a tuxedo and look frumpy standing next to one of them wearing a potato sack. Second, they are younger than us; 'nuff said. Third, they are professional eye candy and they work on their bodies and their looks during all that time in the day when the rest of us are doing OUR JOBS!! Fourth, professional make up and fashion consultants work them over. Fifth, professional photography. I cannot emphasize enough how much an air brush can turn a decent photo into a lifelike cartoon that represents what the person really looks like about as well as "A Connecticut Rabbit in King Arthur's Court" represents the Middle Ages.
But, but, but...what about older celebrities that still look great? OK, let's talk about Cher or Piers Brosnan. What advantages have they lost since their younger years? They are still part of the 0.05% of the population that looks like a movie star naturally; they are still professional eye candy; they still benefit from professional wardrobe, make-up, and photography. Anyone see the magazine cover with Sharon Stone on it last month? You know, the one that makes her look so domestic, "ooh, aah, look what a perfect suburban mom Sharon is since she gave up making R-rated action films." (And also notice how much of our estimation of success is based on appearances.) Does anyone actually believe a woman in her mid-late 40s has a face that smooth?! WHO YOU JIVIN"?!
Liberate yourself from the tyranny of the picture or the mirror. It is not a good measure. Deal with the fact a 40 year old body looks like a 40 year old body. Use more functional measures instead. How's your pulse, your blood pressure, your blood chemistry? What's your body fat? Do you have any health issues that could benefit from losing a little weight? How's your diet? Could you eat a little more of the healthy stuff, and a little less of the unhealthy stuff, and not feel like you have taken a vow of starvation? We obsess a lot about how we look in the mirror. When was the last time we had a medical check up to see if we had a real health issue that perhaps could lead to a more targeted treatment?
Just asking,
Matt
OK, let's take on the "fat" issue head on. Pay no attention to photos and video tapes of yourself. We have all been brain-washed by the popular media into accepting as "normal" bodies that are so unreal they border on science fiction.
Don't believe me? Let's review the bidding, shall we, about the people on the covers of popular magazines. In what ways are they...unrepresentative of most of us. First, they are the top 0.05% of the population in terms of physical attractiveness. They all look like movie stars because they are selected from a pool of such people. You and I do not look like movie stars. We could wear a tuxedo and look frumpy standing next to one of them wearing a potato sack. Second, they are younger than us; 'nuff said. Third, they are professional eye candy and they work on their bodies and their looks during all that time in the day when the rest of us are doing OUR JOBS!! Fourth, professional make up and fashion consultants work them over. Fifth, professional photography. I cannot emphasize enough how much an air brush can turn a decent photo into a lifelike cartoon that represents what the person really looks like about as well as "A Connecticut Rabbit in King Arthur's Court" represents the Middle Ages.
But, but, but...what about older celebrities that still look great? OK, let's talk about Cher or Piers Brosnan. What advantages have they lost since their younger years? They are still part of the 0.05% of the population that looks like a movie star naturally; they are still professional eye candy; they still benefit from professional wardrobe, make-up, and photography. Anyone see the magazine cover with Sharon Stone on it last month? You know, the one that makes her look so domestic, "ooh, aah, look what a perfect suburban mom Sharon is since she gave up making R-rated action films." (And also notice how much of our estimation of success is based on appearances.) Does anyone actually believe a woman in her mid-late 40s has a face that smooth?! WHO YOU JIVIN"?!
Liberate yourself from the tyranny of the picture or the mirror. It is not a good measure. Deal with the fact a 40 year old body looks like a 40 year old body. Use more functional measures instead. How's your pulse, your blood pressure, your blood chemistry? What's your body fat? Do you have any health issues that could benefit from losing a little weight? How's your diet? Could you eat a little more of the healthy stuff, and a little less of the unhealthy stuff, and not feel like you have taken a vow of starvation? We obsess a lot about how we look in the mirror. When was the last time we had a medical check up to see if we had a real health issue that perhaps could lead to a more targeted treatment?
Just asking,
Matt
