I don’t know how I’m perceived generally, but I do know it’s different from the other big lifters in my life. It’s incredibly frustrating and a major driver of my dysmorphia. I’m respected as human more often than I was before I started lifting but it’s still not what I see with others. (2/3)
And having to believe something about myself that is usually not reinforced by anyone else IRL and in fact is often actively denied or negged by fatphobic idiots who can’t understand that strength and fat can coexist? Incredibly difficult. Trusting myself? You’re serious? (3/3)
Sorry to hear you are battling with your self image. People are quick to judge, but knowing you can out lift probably all of them should give you some reassurance. Personally, I think you have transformed your body really well, and maybe one day I could do a portrait of you.
“The greatest glory in life is not in never falling, but in rising every time.” Anyway: Just tell the fatphobia mob that Sumo-Wrestler got less visceral fat than Lifters and Martial Artist. Maybe facts will shut them up.
Yup. I’m 52 and quite chubby myself. Yet my 18 years old son, who’s as lean and muscular as possible still can’t match my grip (even on my non-dominant hand) or my usual weights on the bench 🤷🏻♂️.