My story is not a typical story you might hear. I was not overweight and needed to shed some pounds. I was skinny and needed to gain some self esteem.
My whole life I was always told how “skinny” I was (almost like it was a disease) and how lucky I was to be able to eat anything I wanted and never had to exercise. I felt horrible, was always tired, and had no endurance for any kind of activities. Worst of all I had no self esteem. I tried to work out at home, but was never motivated by the tapes I bought. They were the same old thing and I found every excuse in the book why I could not work out that day.
After having child number 3, I decided to give “working out” another shot. I bought some more tapes and struggled through them. One day while watching Fit TV in 2003, I came across this woman who had great muscles and worked out with a really heavy barbell. Yes, guess who…it was Cathe. WOW! I was blown away at how fit she was and the workouts were different than anything I have ever seen before. Even though I was terrified to try these workouts since they looked way too advanced, I took the plunge! I started with dumbells and eventually bought a barbell and step and my life changed for the better.
For a long time I still received comments from people saying “Why do you work out, your so skinny?” And my answer is, skinny is not fit… skinny does not give you self esteem… and skinny is definitely not an excuse to not take care of yourself. Now, I do not receive comments about how skinny I am, but now people tell me how fit I am.
Most important my self esteem has grown and I am setting a great example for my 3 girls that will occasionally exercise with me. Thanks Cathe, for making me love to exercise while learning to love myself.
Thanks so much for sharing your story! My younger sister is naturally very thin (and tall!) She is often teased about being so thin (“Girl, get a milkshake and a Big Mac!”) and dislikes it as much as anyone would hate to be teased about any aspect of their appearance.
Congratulations on achieving your goals and setting such a fine example for your daughters! I too have three girls and though part of my exercise goal is to lose weight, I try above all things to model healthy living.
Best wishes,
~K
Thank you for your story… for those of us who have always struggled with overweight, it can be hard to remember that “skinny” people can have health issues too, and can benefit from exercise just as much as those of us who are heavier. What a great example you are for your girls, and what a beautiful family you have!
Thanks for sharing your story Kim. I have never had a problem with being too thin but definitely NO energy and feeling awful with tons of extra weight! thanks so much for giving us the other side’s view! You look great!