After a challenging period in my life, I’m back on the fitness train. Six or seven days a week, I’m getting my sweat on bright and early, before my husband and kids are awake. Following almost every workout, I take a pic—what I like to call a “sweaty selfie”—and share it on Facebook. I often caption it with thoughts about how tough the session was, how great I feel, how much I’ve sweated, or how I almost thought I couldn’t push through.
I know that some folks in my feed might find my daily workout selfies annoying. They might assume I’m being narcissistic or seeking validation about how amazing I am. But they couldn’t be more mistaken.
Our social media feeds are often filled with negativity, and there’s a growing community of people striving to counter that with positivity. While some share funny memes or heartwarming clips, I’m part of a movement that showcases our fitness journeys, whether it’s lifting weights or showing off that post-workout glow. We’re not bragging; we’re spreading inspiration through our sweaty selfies.
Those snapshots of yoga poses or moments in the locker room are meant to motivate. If someone scrolling through Instagram is contemplating shedding baby weight, I want to show them that it’s possible. If a young woman is battling body image issues, I want to demonstrate that strength can be beautiful. These selfies also serve as my personal motivation. A picture can convey a thousand words, and when I feel stagnant, I can look back at my progress through my own photos.
People naturally share what brings them joy. We post about our children’s dance recitals, our son’s baseball games, and even the delicious meal we prepared that tastes just like Mom’s. We celebrate these proud moments because they reflect the wonderful aspects of our lives.
For me, I take pride in my body. I’m proud of its capabilities, its evolution, and the strength I’ve gained. After years of hiding behind baggy clothing, I’m ready to embrace my stronger, leaner self. If someone can post a picture of their dinner, why shouldn’t I share my flushed, sweat-covered face?
I strive to give others the benefit of the doubt, and I hope my friends do the same for me. When they see my sweaty grin in the morning, I hope they realize it’s not for accolades. It’s a celebration of self-love, a chance to motivate others, and a reflection of my personal journey. Sure, there’s lots of negativity on social media, but my sweaty selfies? They’re not part of the problem.
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In summary, embracing our journey through fitness, whether by sharing workout selfies or celebrating personal milestones, fosters a sense of community and motivation. It’s about pride in our bodies and inspiring others along the way.