Body Type Talks: Introduce Yourself
Let's get a community going. Say hello.
I want this newsletter space to feel like a community, not just where I publish my work. I want you to have conversations and virtually meet others interested in the same things. My essays here are just a jumping-off point.
I also want to get to know you all. So:
Please comment on this thread with as much as you’d like about:
How you’re feeling about your body image these days.
Your experiences with exercise, body change, your relationship to food.
Anything you’re reading/watching/listening to about “body stuff” that you think others might find interesting.
I’ll go first:
I’m feeling conflicted about my body image lately. I’ve recently gone through an exceptionally busy period where I didn’t take care of my body in the ways I’m used to, so I’m kind of in recovery mode from that time. That’s also kicked up some latent food issues that I’ve decided to address with a therapist.
I’ve had some great body experiences too, though: I’ve been working to get more efficient on the rowing machine. The other day I rowed my fastest 500-meter time ever, so that felt like quite a win. Any other rowing fans (or haters)? I also bought a new bike and went to a DC Bike Party ride. DC area-based people, it’s so fun.
Reading/watching: Anne Helen Petersen on becoming athletic later in life (boy, do I relate!); Danielle Friedman on the psychological and healing power of weight lifting (here’s my whole “exercise has healing powers” essay).
Watching: I am about to start “Physical,” which is in its second season. I put it off but continue to hear compelling things. Maybe I’ll do a “watch party” thread in the future for this or other shows.
Your turn. Say hi below.
Hello! 👋🏿
I feel you on the busy period stuff; I recently went on a cruise and I WRECKED my eating schedule. I'm getting really concerned over my ability to do things like run, lift weights because of it. I'm *probably* fine, but it weighs a tiny bit on my mind. I know I won't get right until I go to the gym tomorrow. It really has become my happy place over the years.
This second question will take a bit to explain. Like many, I got into exercise (god, it's like 6, 7 years now) to be more healthy and be more confident in myself. Both have happened, but I have a LONGGG way to go still. I also track calories, and I *think* I have a healthy relationship with food. I don't do the binge and purge stuff, and while I count everything I eat, I know I can still enjoy myself.
I've read a lot of forum threads, r/Fitness, r/Bodyweight, r/Running, r/CalorieCount...but never any shows or podcasts or the like. Happy to starting watching "Physical" along with you as well. Keep up the good work, I'm really glad I came across your blog. Take care and be well.