Comments on: Why don’t you look like a fitness model?

By: Dana

Dana — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:39:32 +0000

Love it! I’m so glad you wrote this.

By: Jessica Metaneira

Jessica Metaneira — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:40:49 +0000

Thanks for this. I’m so over being told how I ought to look. Yes, I’m small, no, I’m not sick, everyone just shut up about it..

By: Why Don’t You Look Like A Fitness Model? | Open Mat Jiu Jitsu

Why Don’t You Look Like A Fitness Model? | Open Mat Jiu Jitsu — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:20:00 +0000

[...] I ponder powering up a 2011 women’s team for 3rd Law BJJ, Georgette Oden reminded me of this great article from Stumptuous.com. One of the things that distinguishes grappling from many sports is that such a [...]

By: Janine

Janine — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:43:58 +0000

BRAVO!!! I love this reminder!

By: Katie

Katie — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:11:19 +0000

Sara,
When people go along the track of thinking your trainer did I show them pics from my powerlifting days and that shuts em’ up real quick.

I powerlifted for years and ate a pretty clean diet and ended up being pretty lean and definitely looked fit, never got skinny and uber-cut just achieved pretty close to what was the optimum for my bodytype. I’m tallish 5’9″, a friend once described my physique when lean as like a basketball player with boobs. If you powerlift and eat excessively you’ll get big with no definition, just like you would if you didn’t powerlift.

Another important thing for me was that I was, before waylayed by injury and life, starting not to care how big I got, because I felt so good and had so many goals I wanted to accomplish.

Good Luck!

By: Sara

Sara — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:19:52 +0000

Thanks for the encouragement Krista! I can’t fault my trainer really- he’s always pushed me, especially since I’ve started “taking things seriously” 4 weeks ago. I love lifting and gaining strength, although my goals right now are more in the “lean and fit” area. I’ve been trying to expand my horizons as far as fitness is concerned and have fallen back in love with cycling. Would love to take up hiking once the weather cools off here in San Antonio! I have also realized how good healthy eating makes me feel. Love your real world, covered-in-road-dirt approach. You’re awesome! :-)

By: Mistress Krista

Mistress Krista — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:35:24 +0000

@Sara: Your trainer could use some informing. A good strength & conditioning workout combined with a solid and consistent nutrition plan that focuses on food quantity AND quality will get you lean and fit. But what is most important for goals is that you go towards what brings you JOY. Try powerlifting. If you love it, fabulous. If you don’t, try something else. Remember that the real world of physical adventure and living actively is a lot bigger than “fitness rules world”. Ignore all the well meaning people who don’t share your energy for things that inspire you. Do what YOU want. Do what brings YOU joy, and what feels truly good in YOUR body.

By: Sara

Sara — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:57:30 +0000

Ok have to rant a little here. I’m trying to find a goal…something to gear my fitness goals towards (although I already have some goals for body composition). Kind of like a person who likes to run training for a marathon. I stumbled upon your article on powerlifting and thought hmm, this may be fun! I texted my trainer (whom I’ve known for 2 years) and asked if this could be something to work towards. He said “yeah if you want to be fat. they don’t have any definition, it’s all bulk”. I don’t think that’s true. I’m not really interested in figure competitions or anything like that. Any suggestions Krista? :-)

By: Sara

Sara — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:11:14 +0000

Hey Krista- I plan on it! Did lower body with my trainer earlier, and it was the first time I had done squats and deads in a long time. I did: squat 95 lbs, decline leg press 250 lbs, and deadlift 115 lbs. Not bad for a start! I’m 29 yrs old, 5’5″ and 152 lbs…I don’t really have a weight-loss goal, although getting to 140 would be nice. I just want to get as strong as I can and lose some body fat! ;-) I told my trainer today that I wish I had some “end goal” to work towards…something to train for. I couldn’t think of anything, but maybe I should…

By: Mistress Krista

Mistress Krista — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:22:26 +0000

@Sara: Rock on! Remember to HAVE FUN and enjoy the ride! You’re more than numbers. Get out there and have some adventures! YEAH! :)