Thought I'd muse on some of the strange comments people give you when (after working your butt off) people start to notice you're getting results. (I have to admit, I've been guilty of asking a co-worker vaguely if they'd lost some weight to have them say they'd lost 30kg).
The other night a very strange little man who has been training at our gym for many years and never fails to be wearing the same outfit of tiny black (well worn) bikeshorts and a huge white tshirt came straight up to me after having never spoken beofre. He didn't introduce himself, he simply said he'd been away for 8 weeks and he'd noticed the changes in my physique. I politely said thankyou, yes I have dropped some body fat and am feeling good.
He went on, 'yeah, i wanted to tell you i'd noticed'. Then his face turned serious, 'You are looking ... a little.... buff.. up top" (gesturing to his shoulders and arms) but I guess I noticed that when you were doing your set, still good though. "I'm thinking Haiwaiaan Tropic Model".. I said "Thanks, but I'm not sure what you mean". He said, "you know, those bikini models who tour around the world?"
WHOA! Well compliment well received lol. I just thought it was very amusing how serious he was when he said this, and how it seemed very important that I hear his opinion of my body. I should say though that 99% of people have been very supportive and encouraging, its def a gym with a great social atmosphere.
But its the strange comments and encounters that stick in your mind. I think I'd better get used to this sort of thing if I'm going to compete hey girls? I'm fine tuning my internal balancing point between being (excuse the blunt language) a 'piece of meat' to be critiqued, judged, pinched and poked and treating myself with the utmost care and respect. Our bodies are the most valuable thing we own after all!
I'm off to train legs so that I can bring them up to match my 'massive' upper body, hehehe!!
Steph xx