These are mandatory if you’re working to change your body. They suck in the beginning and I have found they can also be painful mid-process.
I was mortified the first time I took them. I did not see myself “like that.” There was no hiding in a sports bra and shorts. No filter, no clothes, no angle could save me from the front, side and back pose. It was time to confront the fact that I was overweight. I was not fit. I was not healthy and I certainly wasn’t happy (just look at that mean mug)!
I had been confident but it rocked me. That couldn’t be me. Who the f*ck was that? That woman doesn’t look how I feel on the inside or how I see myself. She certainly wasn’t the star in my selfies or carefully curated photos. When did this happen? Why hadn’t I noticed sooner?
November 2020 vs May 2021
One might conclude that painful reality check jump started my lifestyle change but spoiler alert, it didn’t! I was in denial and I wasn’t ready to make real changes. I idled for another half a year and in May 2021, I went back to the gym and hired a trainer.
Even though I was embarrassed to be in an extremely fit gym in Scottsdale (shout out to Glory Gains), I still wasn’t serious about making changes. I wanted instant results with minimal effort and oh yeah, to still eat like garbage. I trained 2x a week or 3x if I wasn’t traveling expecting my body to magically transform. I had hired a damn good trainer (Austin Meason) so luckily it did start changing despite no other lifestyle changes and my minimal commitment.
Working out a few times a week provided the momentum I needed to make bigger changes. This was an excellent starting point for me. I hadn't changed my food but I had started moving my body and seeing results.
The best way to gauge progress is by comparing pictures. Small changes seem insignificant but the easiest way to spot them is by lining up prior weeks’ shots. You need this motivation in the beginning because you’re going to be the only one who notices and appreciates the improvements. Trust me, no one notices a few inches or pounds lost when you’re overweight. You are making these changes for you but it can be discouraging if your efforts go unrecognized. This is why these pictures are critical. You need evidence that your hard work is paying off.
May 2021 vs August 2021
I remember looking at side by side comparisons in the Fall and thinking “and you thought you were fit then, not even close.” This is sad but a reality of the process. I didn’t lack confidence but as I got in better shape I tried to shame the old me. Not cool girl, not cool. This is all about continuous improvement.
Shake negative thoughts off. Always remember that this is about progress, not perfection.
Most importantly, your worth, value and beauty are not tied to weight or BMI. I had been overweight but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t beautiful or a good human. Again, I want to reiterate that I am glad that I was confident when I was carrying extra weight as a new mom in the thick of her career.
Everyone should strive for confidence regardless of their weight and composition. Insecurity and lack of confidence comes in all shapes and sizes, including people with some of the most ideal physiques.
I told my trainer early on that “I refuse to get into the best shape of my life and become insecure.” There have definitely been times throughout the process where I have felt low. It’s incredible to see your body change so much over some months but you’re constantly reminded of your old undesirable state. The progress is impressive yet insignificant week over week. It can feel like your goal is unattainable and that it’s taking too much time. You have to keep going.
It may seem slow or daunting but when you compare week 1 to week 4 and week 4 to week 12 and so on, you cannot deny the progress. I lost 26 lbs from May to December. In October, I started counting macros and lost 19 of the 26 lbs during that 3 month period.
October 2021 to December 2021
Acknowledge that you will not like these photos. I still haven't grown fond of them (I will let you know if it happens) however they are a necessity regardless of how we feel about them. I can say that it is gratifying to look back to May and see how much I have changed. My body composition is completely different but most importantly, I feel good. I am less anxious and I am happy.
Improvement is all about the choices that you make every day. I would not have been able to do what I am doing today if I hadn't gone through each stage of this process building upon my new habits.
If you are consistent, you will see results, I promise.
May 2021 to December 2021
Front pose
Side pose
Back pose
So you want to get started or you're already mid-process...
Here’s my advice:
- Take your first set of pictures
- Wear shorts and a sports bra
- Use the same outfit each time, if possible
- If you are taking pictures solo, use a mirror or tripod. You can record and screenshot from the video
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart
- 3 Poses - front, side and back
- Use the same location each time
- Take the pictures first thing in the morning
- I typically take them on a Friday or Saturday (the AM before a cheat meal)
- Your second set can be a few weeks later or a month (it doesn't have to be every week, especially when you start).
- There are lots of photo apps to do the comparison. I use Layout from Instagram
- Line your belly button up or nose to compare 2 front pose photos
- Use the same edits or 'filter' on each set (I wish mine were better!)
- Save your first photos in your favorites so you have quick access. (I'm saving you from having to scroll months from now). You can access 'Favorites' and 'Recent photos' in the app.
Things that impact photos:
- Hormones (amazing how ab lines disappear)
- Lighting (bad lighting makes it more difficult to see definition + changes = frustration)
- Positioning (try to stand in the same spot + your photographer if someone is helping you)
Up next: WTF are macros?
Surprise, surprise, food makes the biggest difference!
Xoxo,
Bicep Blonde