By Galen Lundin
The one on the left was taken right before I competed in my first bodybuilding competition.
To prepare for it, I dieted rigorously and lost 40 pounds in 4 months. Plus I spent a LOT of time at the gym.
I ended up doing quite well…1st place in my division.
The purpose of this post, however, is not to impress you but rather to impress upon you what it takes to “look good naked.” And let me tell you, the process of getting there can leave you feeling isolated, drained, fatigued and pretty “bitter” overall.
Of course, training for a bodybuilding competition is an extreme situation. Most people have no desire to reach such a low, body fat percentage. And I don’t blame them. It sucks.
BUT what I will say is that once I “got there’” it really didn’t make that much of a difference as far as how I felt about myself.
Sure I looked a bit better with my shirt off but…
It didn’t add to my quality of life. In fact it took a lot AWAY.
Nor did it increase my confidence tremendously. I did not become a “new me.” I was still obsessed and judgmental about my appearance.
Nothing changed…
Except a few days after the competition, I gained 30 lbs, really. 🙂
I’m not saying don’t workout and take care of yourself. But realize you are so much more than your reflection in the mirror.
If you decide to go down the weight loss path, remember: do it because you want to live a purposeful life; because you want to be the best person you can be.
