Our society's approach to our bodies and to fitness in general is based on the concept of deficit.
We push ourselves through boot camp classes to make our thighs smaller.
We endure countless hours of sit-ups to flatten our bellies.
We suffer through awful diet regimes in the hopes of losing weight.
We approach our bodies as if they are a problem needing to be solved.
Check out the latest cover of any women's magazine and you'll see titles like: "5 Ways to Sculpt your Glutes," "Get the Best Beach Body Ever," " Lose that Arm Flab in 2 Weeks" ... and on and on.
The message here is, "There's something wrong with you, and here's how to fix it."
We will forever be reaching for that ideal of perfection because we are incapable of attaining the look of the airbrushed model on the cover.
But what if we took a different approach to our bodies? An approach that doesn't involve fixing, altering and perfecting ourselves? What if we begin with the notion that just by being, we are already perfect. We are already complete, whole, and acceptable as we are.
We find that place within ourselves, the place that doesn't criticize and judge us for a number on a scale or the size of our thighs. By acknowledging this place within us, we begin to change.
Instead of exercising to sculpt, change, and tighten, what if we simply moved our bodies in ways that brought us satisfaction and joy? This a radical mindset shift because we are inundated daily with society's belief that our bodies need to be fixed.
To be able to move, run, walk and dance is truly a gift. If we spend time IN these activities, IN our bodies, and IN the pleasure that movement brings us, we can begin to appreciate all our bodies do for us. This begins to shift our mindset from one of deficit and criticism, to acceptance and celebration.
We begin with our own beliefs.
We lift weights not to get chiseled, but because being stronger allows us to carry bags of groceries, lift our kids when we play and move heavy furniture when we need to.
We run not to burn off last night's dessert, but because it fills our lungs with fresh air, energizes our spirit and leaves us refreshed.
We sweat through a hot yoga class not to lose weight, but because it relieves the day's tension and allows stress to melt away.
Shifting away from criticism, we begin to appreciate our bodies for all the wondrous things they do for us. Our thoughts toward our bodies become more compassionate and we see that physical transformation is only one aspect of our lives.
We are more than our body; we are our hearts and spirits, our hopes, dreams and passions.
Beginning to soften our beliefs and enjoy our bodies for the pleasure they bring enables us to begin to change on the inside. And since lasting changes come from the inside out, transformation happens on all levels -- mind, spirit and body.
For more information on how to stop obsessing over your eating, your body, and your weight, visit jennhand.com. You can also come say hi on facebook!
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.