Body After Baby: Progress Pictures?
Posted: December 16, 2010 at 12:31 pmBaby B is coming. Relatively soon. Within the next month (more or less). That sounds soon to me. I’ve mentioned before that I have quite a few topics I want to discuss relating to how I plan to pursue getting back in shape post-pregnancy and other issues surrounding that. I would like to lay it all out there before I even begin the process. I like to have a game plan to share and which to help hold myself accountable. Plus, its fun for me to talk about fitness related topics since I can’t physically do them at the moment. Hence the start of the Body After Baby series I will share over the next month. 😀
Before I delve into those topics I want to discuss something else first. After my recent post on achieving my “best-shape” and sharing this set…
…of progress pictures from post-Makenzie, I began thinking more about the whole progress picture phenomenon.
The blog world is a very public place. I don’t mind so much the thought of having pictures like the above out there. The main thing I feel uncomfortable with is if sharing such pictures sends any sort of negative or inappropriate message. In the past 6 months there has been talk about blogger responsibility and posting such “progress pictures” falls into that role.
I don’t want my pictures to serve as a way to compare – either me comparing myself to others or others comparing to me. I don’t want my own personal “before” shots to be viewed as me unhappy with myself or that I view anyone with a similar physique as less than beautiful. I don’t want the focus to appear that I’m trying to look a certain way, over feel a certain health, strength, and vitality.
But…
I also know I refuse to use a scale in my post-baby fitness journey. I will need some sort of measure and pictures like the above greatly motivate me. I want to have the opportunity to show the changes that can happen in a body, without deprivation and overstressing the process. I also want to put myself out there every step of the way – as a means to lift up my body and its beauty in all appearances. The progress pictures would also serve as a reminder to myself to love and appreciate it for all it does, no matter how it looks in a photo. Because it is beautiful no matter what.
So, that’s where I’m at. Inappropriate or motivating? Thoughts?
Tags: body after baby, goals, progress pictures, weight loss
I would think it would be motivating, especially (or mostly) coming from you. I could see how it could be inappropriate depending on the individual behind them. However, you’re nothing but inspiring.
I think it’s totally appropriate and motivating. Clearly based on your perspective here (which I LOVE btw), you are doing this in a motivating way that is not meant to be showing off at all, but meant to show that you CAN get back to your pre-baby body without going into some crazy starvation-infused workout overdose fit. It can be done with relative sanity and I think it’s awesome that you want to share that with us, I really do. I give you major kudos girl!
I think it’s motivating if it’s in a healthy context (which it sounds like yours will be): through healthy eating and moving, non obsessive-ness, and not focusing on the scale. I think pictures can be motivating, but numbers aren’t as much (especially weight), because every person is different.
Love it! I think I may do something similar to this as I get ready for my wedding. I like the notion of progress pictures instead of the scale.
Lately I’ve banished the scale and haven’t weighed myself in months, but I don’t know if merely getting rid of the scale is going to heal my issues with disordered eating (I mean, of course it won’t).
Anyway, I’m just nervous about diving into weight loss again but know it is for the best. I want to fit back into my regular clothes and look fabulous on my wedding day!
i think it’s totally fine for you to post progress photos of yourself, and i don’t think that it’s fair for you to totally base your blog on what others think…if they’re motivating for YOU and it’s still in your best interest then i think you’re OK 🙂
I know for a fact I will use progress pictures for my own personal use. I guess this was more just the appropriateness of sharing them on the blog. I don’t want anything misconstrued as to why I would share them, if you know what I mean?
Motivating. The same way that you shouldn’t be comparing yourself to anybody else for your own goals, people who read your blog shouldn’t be comparing themselves to your body for their personal physique goals. Keep on keeping on!
Appropriate and motivating. I’m so comforted by knowing what you were able to do for yourself after Makenzie was born. You look so healthy and fit! And I think it’s entirely appropriate because it is about your own personal journey and comfort-zone, and ended in a place that was rational and healthy.
I personally find them motivating. Right now I’m very rarely (once a week only for checkin) getting on teh scale, but I like seenig the changes week to week in photos. I think being able to go back and see the progress over time really keeps me moving forward
I think that the pictures themselves can be both inappropriate or motivating depending on how you present them. Knowing you and your writing style, I am sure you can make them motivating and starters of good conversations!
And I am also sure that when and if you feel tired or frustrated with the process, you are going to share it. It makes you human and I really appreciate it. Usually what gets me, is the people who do incredible things and never seem to be tired or intimidated or whatever… It still is mainly my problem for feeling inadequate compared to them, but I still cannot believe it that it’s humanely possible to do all these things and never once get tired or pressed for time…
Oh, you better believe there will be rough moments and I will openly share them. I don’t like when things are painted as a pretty picture all the time either. And I would always hope to share them (if I do) in a respectable way and a way to hopefully inspire others, as well as myself, without every leaving feelings of inadequacy. We are all GREAT!
Motivating. But I will never ever post progress pictures anymore on my blog. I learned the hard way that pictures can be seen by bad people who will tear you down and scare you to be honest. I was terrified when my pictures got stolen, put on a forum, and discussed–both in sexual ways and in ways to hurt me and put me down.
That’s just how I feel though. I defintely want to see yours–but think of that aspect as well.
I definitely thought of you when writing this and whenever I think about it all. I don’t want to become a target in such a way, but at the same time don’t want to not post and miss out on sharing my journey as well. It’s a lot to think about!
motivating. and i love the explanation behind the photos. you are amazing.
I think it’s motivating, but I do understand your concern with comparisons and triggering. If that’s what you’re worried about, have you considered adding the pics to a separate page on your blog? That way people can see them if they want, but anyone who doesn’t want to open the comparison trap can opt not to see them while still reading your blog. Just a suggestion- but it’s YOUR blog, so do what you feel most comfortable with!!
I have thought about that as well with the separate page. I could see that being doable, but then again I know I hate having to click over a lot on things. LOL
I think it’s appropriate and motivating! I think it’s great to see how a real woman with real life responsibilities is able to balance it all and focus on total health (not just how a body looks). There are so many pictures of celebrities who lose 50 pounds of baby weight in a month and makes the rest of us feel horrible about our inability to do so. I would love to see the progress of a real person doing it in a healthy way.
I definitely think they can motivating and positive, especially coming from you. I would probably be cautious posting ones in a swimsuit etc on a blog ONLY because there are some strange bad people out there on the internet, KWIM? BUt…. you could always do them with clothes on here, but keep the more revealing ones to yourself or have a password protected post or something… just thinking out loud 🙂
Totally motivating! I do the same thing… although, I don’t have much courage to post them up on my site yet…(well the biggest pic is actually in my undies so I would totally have to do some editing on that pic!) I am wanting too but I want to get to the end point where I am most comfortable with myself and I am just not there yet.
I think it is definitely motivating! Everyone who reads your blog does so because we find you inspiring and because we want to follow your journey!
Motivating AND accountability! I use pre and post photos all the time to track my progress. I’ve actually posted some on my blog before and I think they really gave me the kick I needed to workout. I say go for it – we’ll be here to root you on!
I don’t think it’s inapropriate it all. I love seeing progress pictures and find it very motivating! As long as your at a healthy weight I see no harm.
That is a tough call, but you are wise at explaining your motivation behind it. I think its encouraging for women to embrace that motherhood look and then find their way back to a healthy happy weight like you have said. I am on board with it!
🙂
I think you’re totally going about it in a right way. The scale can be all sorts of negative for some people, and it can put pressure on. I think the way you’ve explained this shows that you’re being intuitive, listening to your body, and not simply letting numbers and aesthetics dictate your progress. Being a healthy weight means feeling your best too! You can do it girl! 🙂
Sometimes sharing your goals with others helps YOU out. And if you’re honest to your readers and yourself there is no harm. At the end of the day, this site is your personal space to freely express yourself.
I support your decision either way!
This is definitely your forum, so you have to do what works for you. Since what you are looking to achieve is not a number, but how you feel and the shape you are in, I would think they would be motivating.
Definitely motivating! The only negative is the creepers out there, but I think for your audience, posting pictures to show how you are progressing and how you got there is very helpful.
on the one hand, I think it could be very motivatiing. After I get pregnant/birth I will want to be just like you…jump right back in to fitness. However, if I can’t quite achieve that crazy gorgeous physique from above, maybe it would make me feel bad? Like why can’t I get THAT in shape? I feel that way only bc I’ve had such serious body image issues in the past and still struggling sometimes!
I think they are super motivated!! Just dont compare you to yourself, ya know? You may look different after the 2nd baby, and that is totally 100% OKAY! But you are a strong and wise woman and you know that! I dont post progress pics for anybody else but me, everybody is so different and has different results, I dont like comparison!
Oh definitely! I plan to have no expectations going into this process. That’s actually one of the topics I have coming up. 🙂
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with before/after pictures – especially if the blogger/person posting them has gotten from “before” to “after” using healthy means (i.e. not starving themselves/overdoing workouts/etc). I think Before/After pictures can be really really motivating when the blogger goes about it in a positive way & not “gosh, look how BAD I looked before” and instead “I’ve made SO much progress and am really proud of that”. Plus, like other commenters said, it’ll be good for those of us that want to get pregnant & then back into shape to see what really happens (just like everything you’ve shared during the pregnancy)!
I think it’s great you’re using the “no scale” rule. I think it’s a good one!!
I totally support posting progress pictures. I think that it’s one of the most motivating ways to track your progress and I applaud you for not using a scale since that number says very little or nothing about your strength or fitness. Good luck!
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I feel like you will present it in a positive way, but I do understand your concerns. I believe the majority of your readers will find it very motivating though!
I think they are good, but I would be so paranoid of creepy people seeing me in a bathing suit. I am dealing with two creepy guys (i.e. 40+ without any interest in healthy living from what I can tell) from work who somehow know my blog exists and seem to be ‘regular readers’ now. The one has started commenting and I mark them as spam. I have never spoken to them, nor do we have mutual work friends (there are almost 6000 people at my work site) and I’m SO skeeved I don’t know what to do! 🙁
Anyhoo, I think your transformation pics are amazing Tina!
There certainly are creepers out there!
Motivating 🙂
I wouldn’t be so quick to answer if you weren’t such an amazing and positive person, but I seriously thrive off of your perspective on your own body. The blog world does have an overload of triggering progress photos, but it also is in desperate NEED of positive reinforcement in this area. Using photos to show how changes can be made without becoming obsessive or sacrificing any aspect of who you are in really important to a lot of the readers that might come across here. Just a thought 🙂
.. I really commend you for being so hesitant though. It’s great to see how much you care!
Thanks for feeling this supportive about it and your perspective on it. that is honestly a big reason I want to share them. To show the process from the get go and loving myself every step of the way, while truly caring for myself.
Completely motivating AND inspiring!
I think it is totally appropriate as it is just another facet of your blog mission/goal/whatever. 🙂
Motivating…definitely motivating. And here is why:
Everything you do on this glorious blog has a message of vitality, wholeness and balance. Your message is not about striving for a “size” or a “weight” or even a “look.” Your message is about striving to be your healthiest and your best for YOU, for your FAMILY, and for those that you inspire! And that is why pictures can be motivating. It speaks to your action. And if your action is in the direction of health + nourishment for your body then hunny- show it! 🙂
I truly appreciate the ideas behind blogger responsibility. And I think everyone should think before they do in this blog world. But if you think and if your action still speaks to the message that matters to you most then DO!
My few cents anyway! 🙂
I think you’re totally appropriate and motivating, because your attitude, words and walk are so good. Thank you for sharing your concerns: it’s a very delicate subject.
love
Ela
I am so glad you stumbled upon my blog, which led me back to yours. There is nothing wrong with posting pictures of yourself! They should be especially motivating to others and inspire them. The fact that you are going about your changes based on how you feel not what the scale says should also motivate others to think less about the number! Kudos to you =)
motivating! only do what you feel is comfortable, follow your gut 🙂
I have agonized over I should respond to your questions or not. I also agonized over responding to your post the other day when you talked about looking forward to working on regaining your fitness after B is born. I decided not to write last time; but I will today, since you asked for feedback.
You know I admire you greatly, and care for you, which is why I decided to give my own thoughts (for what they’re worth).
As someone with a history of overexercise and disordered eating, as well as someone who is currently pregnant and who looks forward (greatly!) to regaining her fitness and resuming a more hardcore exercise routine, I know that I have to tread very, very carefully around putting energy into body image focus.
I think it’ll be wonderful for both of us to feel strong again, and to relish the return to previous workout intensity and fitness levels. But I, personally, worry about overdoing it, about delving back into my exercise addiction and forgetting about what’s important. I know that I’ll have even less time with two little ones, and I have to be very careful about neglecting them in favor of getting in my workouts. I know that progress photos and an emphasis on the change in my body – rather than an emphasis on the present workout, period – would be detrimental to my emotional health. I know that I’d push myself further than I would otherwise. I know that I’d cross my own line – I’d start thinking about body image, which I need to avoid at all costs.
That road, for me, would be too slippery. You, however, know yourself, and I have complete faith that you will discern what is best for you. I just wanted to give my own input, so that you might ask yourself if it is the Tina of faith and family who wants to do this, or if it is a remnant of “Ed” taking over when you’re vulnerable because you don’t have exercise as an outlet. I’m not suggesting either case – just that you pray about it.
I hope that this doesn’t come across as judgmental. I only care for you, and can only base my thoughts on how I’d feel if I were in your shoes.
You have my complete support, no matter which road you choose.
Hugs –
Jen
I think it depends on where the reader is on their journey. I saw a comment on one really popular food blog where the writer had been on vacation and posted a pic of her in a bikini, one reader just said… “UGH! I wish I looked like you!”
Another thought, I am a member of sparkpeople, and there is this new craze to post before and after pics for body building. Some seem like healthy people wanting to get stronger, but the majority of them worry me. And then you see them commenting on each others blogs with comments such as, “I wish I looked like you” etc.
I don’t ever want to compare myself with others, but when I see your pics on here, it doesn’t bother me. But, at one point in my journey it could have made me feel less than enough because I could not manage to look that good.
I am not sure about the whole blogger responsibility take. I totally get it, but at the same point, a blog is your personal space to share. But, I also see that when a blog becomes very popular how you would not want to influence somebody negatively.
I think it’s motivating to see what a new mom does to get back into shape.
I think pictures like that can be motivating. It can be very inspirational to see a picture of yourself at your goal weight. I also have banished the scale ( at least for now). Haven’t weighed myself in a while and it’s kind of liberating.
I think you should do what YOU want. This is your blog, your thoughts, YOUR tool for your motivation.
WHen I see pictures like this it only motivates me more!!! I think you look healthy and fabulous 🙂
I think that photos are healthy. They’re a tool. Not a referendum on who you are, but something to help track your progress and show you where you need to go. If they’re something you think will help, then by all means, do. It’s our job to cheer you on to the post-baby fitness level that you want to achieve.
Personally I find it inspiring to see how people have progressed in obtaining healthier bodies. Knowing how proud I am of myself for becoming healthier, for taking back my life so to speak, makes me proud for the people I see who have done the same.
Do I ever compare myself to other’s “after” (and sometimes before) pictures? Of course!! But it motivates and inspires me and gives me confidence to keep eating clean and exercising
And this is YOUR blog. If bloggers start worrying too much about pleasing everyone with their blogs, then they lose their unique voice and individuality. Be you, pics and all.
I think its very motivating and gives hope to moms everywhere in a positive way. I love it, go for it!!
I think the fact that you are taking it into consideration at all (whether or not to post them) shows how big your heart is. 🙂 I have wondered about this for myself, too….more so when I first started blogging in an effort to lose the 15 pounds I had gained the previous year. In a way I REALLY want to post pictures, but there was a part of me that just felt funny about it. I think that’s just me, though! 😉 I say do what you feel comfortable with, and I know you well enough (I think!) to know that you will make the best choice and present it in such a positive light for everyone to learn from!
[…] by WP Greet Box WordPress PluginTime for another post in my “Body After Baby” series. I recently discussed my thoughts on whether or not to share progress photos as I carry out my post-b… I wanted to let you all know that,after some consideration, I have decided that I will plan to post […]
i was thinking about doing the same thing but then i thought that it would be negative because my pregnancy may not be the best example for everyone. for instance, i never left my pre-pregnancy jeans. but as long as you’re comfortable with it and it motivates YOU then go for it.