Last month I bought these pants as "goal pants". I tried them on, not knowing if they would fit and the did! They are more snug than I would like them to be, but they fit. Ever since then, they have been hanging, just like this, on my mirror as motivation. I see them everyday, several times a day. I have yet to try them on again. Not sure when I will. But I do know my ultimate goal is to wear them when I go to StL in June.
Last night I somehow developed the courage to put my bikini on and take a picture. I sent the picture to Mel as an accountability thing. Now today, I'm sharing it with all of you. Before I do though, please know I am a work in progress. I have never loved what I see when looking in the mirror wearing in a bikini or less. I wrote about that here. In the last three months I have been incorporating more strength training and less cardio into my gym routine. I am starting to see progress.
I posted this on IG a couple weeks ago. It didn't bother me, mostly because my upper body isn't my "problem area". I carry my weight in my hips and thighs. My upper body has never been especially strong, so I was excited to see this much progress.
As for the rest of me. Please know as I type this, I am having a huge internal debate with myself about pushing "publish". I know once it's out there, I can't take it back. Please be kind.
Please don't ask how much I weight, because I don't know. I use to get on the scale far too often. I'm talking several times a day. When I started incorporating weights into my workout routine, I stopped weighing myself. It wasn't easy, but I did it. I am trying not to focus so much on the number on the scale and more on how I feel. While I do feel better, I don't yet feel great. Like I said, I am a work in progress.
This is real.
This is me. And I have feelings.
Awesome...you can definitely tell that you work hard.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work! :)
I am so stinking proud of you! You know I think your hot but that's besides the point... I have come a long way but I can't wait until I can share one of these pictures and be proud of it. Clothed I am fine... naked or in a swim suit is a whole different territory for me... LOVE YOU LADY!
ReplyDeleteI think you look great!! Especially the abs, nice work!
ReplyDeleteYou look awesome lady!
ReplyDeleteYou look fabulous! I know that we always are our own worst critics, but it is obvious that your hard work has really paid off. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYAY!!!!!!!!!!! You look so good Ash - I swear you do... You are doing such an awesome job at the gym too. So proud of you...
ReplyDeleteYou look awesome!!
ReplyDeletePlease share your upper body workouts. While my upper body is (also) not my "problem" area, I feel it could certainly use some work.
Did I mention you look awesome?!!!
You look awesome!! Wish I was as brave as you to post a picture of myself anywhere! But maybe if I looked as amazing as you I would be!! Keep rocking the gym!
ReplyDeleteyou look freaking amazing!!!!!! girl, you should not be ashamed at all, you are rocking that swimsuit!
ReplyDeleteGirl, you look great!! It's easy to see you are working hard. Keep up the awesome work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing girl, I think you look like an "after" picture in your bikini! Where is it from? I love how the top looks :) I broke up with the scale too after I started lifting more and I love the progress you can see. Can't wait to meet you in Ft. Wayne!
ReplyDeleteYou look so great - can you share some of your workouts?? This girl is gym-challenged - for the weight side - I need some help :) You look awesome!!
ReplyDeleteNote to self... don't wear a swimsuit around you and Mel. You are looking hot!!
ReplyDeleteHholy shit, Ashley. Uh, I'll be in a swimsuit with a t-shirt over it in June... if you need anyone to rub sunblock on you... hahahaha Seriously, you look hella awesome!
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing. Seriously. I'm with Holly - I will be hiding with a bathing suit cover-up if we are together during summer!
ReplyDeleteYou look AMAZING!!! Like super duper fantastic!! It takes 1/2 a second to zoom right in on your progress! You look so lean and fit! Abs look so awesome!! I know how hard it is to feel comfortable in your own skin, and truly see, the hard work paying off. But girl, you seriously look SO FREAKING GOOD! I never ever compliment someone if I don't mean it 1000%. Keep it up, so proud of you!
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