Thursday, August 28, 2008

I get it already!

Alright. As much as I love the word "svelte", it will most likely never be used to describe me. Over the years I have experienced both thick and a wee bit of thin-ish. But I have never been tiny and my goal in life is not to be tiny-but to feel good in my clothes and be pro-active about my health. I actually enjoy a good round of sport (said with a British accent). And when I am comfortable with those I'm with, I don't mind leaping in all my glory to grab a ball. However, over the years, (and after being told by Chirstine Hammer that I looked like jell-o running. I will never forget Christine!), I realized that it was less embarrassing to accept my role as the chubby girl and pretend I didn't enjoy anything requiring athletic interest. So getting crazy on the field was and still is reserved for the closest of friends (or for pitch black sports arenas).

I have joined different gyms, have lost pounds and have also been re-introduced to them as well over the years. I have been dedicated and not so dedicated. But I recently found a place that offers great equipment, and challenging classes without the meat market feel of many gyms, and is not too far from home. And though I sometimes feel a little awkward because of the jiggle factor, I jump right in and push myself. What I find funny though,(and by funny I mean annoying)is that many times I am still going strong even when a handful of less jiggly women have had to stop. And yet after class the instructor will always say to me in a surprised tone, "Good for you for not giving up." or "You made it!" I know these are meant to be words of encouragement and I appreciate the intent, but sometimes I just want to say, "Yeah-well Jane Fonda called and she wants her leotard back-booyah!"

Don't get me wrong. I realize that a lack of excercise and/or healthy eating play a large role in why we gain weight -and I am not claiming to be a marathoner. But goodness! Laziness is not exclusive to those who struggle with weight. And health is not exclusive to all who don't.


Now, it doesn't happen very often but it has been my experience that there is sometimes one person who is disturbed by the fact that I can keep up. And it is also my experience that the person who feels this makes sure to inform me that they are capable of more. In these instances, I realize that her own body image is most likely fragile and I am readily empathetic. In these instances, I am also happy that I have learned not to define myself completely by the size of my jeans.


I must say that for the most part, my fellow women are fun and accepting and humble about their own physical insecurities. And there is no better way to bond as a group of women than to contort yourself over an excercise ball with a tension band wrapped like a pretzel around your legs. We are all in the same boat ladies. We all at one point in time have wondered how we measure up. We all live in a world that trivializes virtue and over-sells the importance of image. And no matter what-we all look rockin' hot in sweatbands!

10 comments:

ty and megs said...

thank you for adding "she's a maniac" to this post! mckinlay has just spent half the morning9 9danc9ing 9to it63633. and you can see she is helping me type this c49+omment. :)

love ya!

Chocolates for Breakfast said...

"svelte, schmelte!" I don't know who this Christne Hammer person is, but LET ME AT HER!!! You are one of the most beautiful, talented, fun to be around women I know and there is much to envy about you (just about everything except that Shawn is on vacation!?)...and you continue to amaze me by what you do each day for your family and so many others! What's wrong with "RS arms" and jiggling when you run... absolutely nothing! Love ya bunches!
(P.S. I LOVE your taste in music!)

Juli said...

Oh Jill, I've known for years that you are in better shape than I am--I get winded taking laundry out of the dryer.
Svelteness completely aside, I'm sure most of us could use a little more exercise for the sake of our health.

Tony and Whitney said...

Fabulous! I hear you. My sister's highest pregnancy weight is my goal weight. . . that makes life a little difficult. You are amazing!

Laurel said...

i liked you before but I like you even more now.

a.) because of the post
b.) because "she's a maniac" will be in my mind all weekend.

Next time the instructor says something dumb like that say, "the jerk store called and they're running out of you." (if you didn't ever watch seinfeld, fo-get-about it)

DeLana said...

Amen! I have known women of all sizes be in great shape and of great athletic ability and other women of all sizes sucking wind after walking a block or two. I would love to have half your energy. You go girl!

CassiLou said...

I admire everything about your post. Your strength to come out and post something like this just shows how amazingly awesome you are inside and out! You are a great example of a wonderful mother, wife and friend and I am so glad that I have been able to know you through my life. Your children will always know that their mom loves them unconditionally and that you do everything you can for them. That is amazing to me in this world. I see too many kids with parents that don't care because they are too involved in other things, like their looks. Love ya Jill! Besides I think you could kick any skinny supermodels butt if it really came down to it. they are underfed and unhappy!

Shawn on Vacation said...

i hate sounding like i told you all, but i told you all...she is simply great and better yet...she loves me...keep up the good work doll, you are HOT!
Paco

ali said...

I just want to know why it is that I can gain 10 pounds in one week, but it takes an entire (perfectly executed) month to lose 10 pounds. Seems to me that "fair" would be to have the time frame the same...

And Jill, you ARE a maniac!

Adam and Bri said...

This was eloquent, wise, and right on the money! I loved every word.