Exposed From The Inside Out
First things first, today is weigh in day and I want to get it out of the way quickly:
Previous Weight — 299.4 lbs
Current Weight — 300.4 lbs
Change In Weight — +1.0 lbs
Yes, this is my first official weight gain this year. I know it’s all water and junk due to 2~ days of eating horribly on a holiday weekend. I will not beat myself up over it, instead I will focus on the positives this week is bringing me and moving forward.
Now on to the important stuff …
Full Exposure
While I wasn’t actively blogging last fall, Mish over at Eating Journey started a movement in October of last year called the Exposed Movement which has resurfaced in the past few days. Steve, Elisabeth, Jack, and many others have recently posted their exposed photos to join and rekindle the movement.
While I had been planning on taking some transformation shots I had not planned on immediately posting them. This all changed however when I mentioned this fact online yesterday. I offhandedly shared that I was planning on taking pictures and was immediately called to the mat to post them.
Anyhow, I thought it fitting to first repost the picture from 2000 that most people have seen before.
And here is the picture from this morning.
It’s not that I’m embarrassed of my progress, it’s just that I usually only share this kind of picture after some time period has elapsed. I think it gives me editorial rights to redact the photo if I gain weight or feel better about it when I lose more. This one however is fresh and will never be redacted. It’s not about the picture it’s about what your body can do for you.
You see, I’m much like Steve and a number of other overweight people. I look for every opportunity to not expose any more of my body than absolutely necessary. Yes, I’m an avid short wearer but you’ll never see me idling around a pool with my shirt off or in a public changing room fixing my hair without a shirt & shorts on. I’ve mastered abilities like rapidly dressing post shower or removing my shirt while entering into a pool and midstream tossing it.
It’s not that I’m embarrassed of my body, quite the opposite actually.
My body has amazed me at how well it’s taken to being pushed in circuit training or while pounding on the spin bike. I can honestly say I’ve mentally given up on a workout far more times than my body has.
I marvel at it’s ability to regenerate day to day waking the next morning ready for more. It may be sore but it never fails me.
I’m proud of it’s herculean effort to carry around all this weight I’ve so graciously placed upon it over 35 years of life.
I’m thankful for it while carrying my daughter, bouncing her around the house, crawling after her on the floor, or lifting her onto a slide.
I’m humbled by it when I’m dripping with sweat and yet continue to run or push out a few more squat presses.
I’m smiling at it when I look in the mirror.
Instead of being embarrassed by my body I post these pictures today as testament to what perseverance and dedication can accomplish. As an example of what everyones body is capable of when they get past the mental hurdles of weight-loss and self doubt.
Now go out there and celebrate your body. Join the Exposed Movement today!
This is very impressive. I feel guilty now for not clicking through your Twitter profile to your blog!! What great progress you’ve made!!
And p.s…you’ll never catch me in the locker room fixing my hair without being completely dressed either. Actually, I marvel at people who can comfortably do that!!
No harm, Twitter is a busy place. It’s hard to really check everyone else out on follow Fridays and the like. At least you found me though
The locker room has always been hard for me being overweight my entire life. Highschool was miserable, I was always late to my class after gym.
Amazing. I am so touched, everytime I read people’s stories, about what it means to them to be exposed. I can’t say anything except..THANK YOU! Your story is simply amazing. You have done amazing things and will continue to do amazing things. I love your words. Thank you so much for sharing and encouraging others to do the same thing.
Thank you for starting the movement, it’s really great for people to open up and express their love for the body we all work so hard to perfect. Far to often we lose focus on a central player, the body itself.
Sean, just found your blog! You’re coming right along! Don’t worry about the slight weight gain. It’s one time. Anyone who sees those pictures can see the big picture…you’ve been making it happen! Keep going!!
.-= Anthony´s last blog ..Insanity Week 2 Day 2 – Pure Cardio =-.
Thanks for the support, I didn’t beat myself up to much. A few forced pushups etc
You got guts, man! Way to expose!
This is awesome! And look at your progress. It’s incredible. And I hope you stay dedicated and persevere
You’re an inspiration.
.-= Jess´s last blog ..Day 65: Eating With Your Senses =-.
I’m not going anywhere … no worries. Thanks for your support, it means a lot to me.
wooohooo! Welcome to the exposed movement! You looks great, btw~
.-= Irene´s last blog ..Oh My God! I’m Exposed! =-.
Thanks, ditto to ya. Welcome to exposed as well and you look great.
Great job! You have a lot to be proud of! Keep up the great work!
.-= tj´s last blog ..Keep on going…. =-.
Thank you, I’m a very happy thankful person. Thanks for supporting my exposure.
AWESOME progress!!!!! That’s truly amazing and very inspiring. And more power to you guys for these photos! I’m a long way from being comfortable with that, personally, but totally admire those of you who are.
.-= Chad´s last blog ..Having Fun with Seven Things =-.
Thanks man, I appreciate the support. You’ll get there some day … and don’t think it was easy posting them. I just weighed the effect it would have on people who might be inspired by them against my own inner voices or embarrassment. Inspiration won hands down!
Great post man, it’s pretty amazing to look at those photos and compare. You’ve really come a long way – keep up all the great work!
.-= Brandon´s last blog ..My idea of a delicious salad =-.
Thanks man, power to the boys!
It’s so awesome that you did this, and holy crap, dude! Look at the progress you’ve made! Really is kinda incredible.
.-= Steve´s last blog ..Floating on tweetcloud nine =-.
Thanks man and congrats on your exposure as well, you look great! Lets keep making it real.
your doing well and your right this week is an exception and next you will have a big loss, keep at it.
I’m certainly working hard in a hopes that I will. It’s about progress not perfection.
How did I miss this post? I’m glad you did this. You’ve made amazing progress.
.-= Mary (A Merry Life)´s last blog ..Being Exposed Is Hard =-.
Beautiful…thank you.
You’re full of strength and courage, and you’ve done an amazing job. More to come, can’t wait
Cathy
.-= Cathy´s last blog ..(Slightly) Bigger Bench =-.