i hate my legs
Kelley528
Posts: 319 Member
No matter what weight I have been, no matter what size I have been ( 6, 8, 10) I feel like my legs look horrible in shorts, skirts, or dresses above the knee. I am currently a size 6, sometimes a 4, and feel like I look so dumpy because of my lower thigh/knee area. It is just the shape of my legs. I look great in pants and jeans just anything leg revealing I cant wear.
Even when I was a gym rat in my early twenties and I was toned all over and not an ounce of fat to pinch yet still a size 6 it was the same story.
I see very large women who dont seem to care what they look like...or maybe they love what they look like no matter what...wearing shorty-shorts and dresses.
I dont know how to get to the point where I accept that this is the shape I was given and wear whatever I feel I need to. I'd like to wear a cute dress and not worry about wearing long shorts in the water but I feel like I look so dumpy that people are going to judge me.
How do I get over that?
Even when I was a gym rat in my early twenties and I was toned all over and not an ounce of fat to pinch yet still a size 6 it was the same story.
I see very large women who dont seem to care what they look like...or maybe they love what they look like no matter what...wearing shorty-shorts and dresses.
I dont know how to get to the point where I accept that this is the shape I was given and wear whatever I feel I need to. I'd like to wear a cute dress and not worry about wearing long shorts in the water but I feel like I look so dumpy that people are going to judge me.
How do I get over that?
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Replies
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Tell that to the verteran who lost both legs in the war - or the female police officer who lost the use of both hers after getting shot in the back.....:huh: :explode:
And then maybe go volunteer somewhere with people in wheelchairs so you can be thankfull about having functional healthy legs....0 -
Tell that to the verteran who lost both legs in the war - or the female police officer who lost the use of both hers after getting shot in the back.....:huh: :explode:
And then maybe go volunteer somewhere with people in wheelchairs so you can be thankfull about having functional healthy legs....
I wanted useful suggestions on how to deal with self-image issues.
I wasnt complaining about the two bum knees that I have, or the painful bunion,or the too short tendons in my calves that constantly cause my feet to lock up and my legs to cramp and then saying " i wish I had new legs".
If you have some inspirational or supportive words to help me accept what I have I'd be grateful to hear it. Otherwise....dont say anything.0 -
That was meant to be inspirational - go work with people without legs/mobility/other serious issues (not bunions) or just find out what their struggles are - and you will get a new perspective of the importance (or non importance) of the shape and look of your healthy and functional legs.....0
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We all have at least 1 thing on our body we don't like. For me it is my upper arms. They have been flabby for as long as I can remember. I wore shirts that had sleeves that came down to my elbows no matter what the temp outside. I wouldn't/couldn't wear cute tanks, sleeveless dresses etc. One day, I realized that I was the only who was that worried about my upper arms. No one in my family gave a hoot what they looked like, my friends didn't care if my arms waved bye when I waved hi. I think that was a huge revelation for me. I think I was to worried about what others thought then what I should feel and be. Love yourself for who you are ( I know that isn't easy) Take baby steps. Wear shorts 1'" shorter than your regular shorts and keep working up. What others think is only an opinion. Opinions are plentiful....everyone has one. Most importantly...Love yourself.0
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I hate my legs too
But I have learned that we are our worst critics. You may think your legs are bad but they probably aren't as bad as you think. Try by starting with finding just one piece of clothing you feel semi comfortable in and give it a try. As you start to feel comfortable in that, you can start to find clothes that are similar to that. Clothes shopping is all about finding the right things to flatter your body 0 -
I hate my knees. I have always had thick legs and it is likely I always will no matter what I weight. That I have come to accept. I, too, do not usually wear shorts or skirts above my knees. BUT, I decided when I started loosing weight to just go for it. I am currently at lunch in a dress that hits mid thigh. Have I been slightly uncomfortable all day... yes... but I have also gotten 6 compliments on how cute I look. Still not brave enough to wear a bathing suit without shorts... but one day I will get there. Sometimes, you just have to go for it and that alone will help.0
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Tell that to the verteran who lost both legs in the war - or the female police officer who lost the use of both hers after getting shot in the back.....:huh: :explode:
And then maybe go volunteer somewhere with people in wheelchairs so you can be thankfull about having functional healthy legs....
Talk about an overreaction...She isn't complaining that she has legs...0 -
We are our own worst critics. In the real world, other people don't care what others wear or how their legs look. They're just as wrapped up thinking about what others think of how others view them.
Now if you really hate how they look..................then do something about it. Train harder, lower body fat more, get lipo, etc. but to ponder how bad it is doesn't do anything but make you feel bad.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
No one judges you as harshly as you judge yourself.
Rather than focusing on what you don't like, focus (and showcase) what you do. I'm very short-waisted. I have a hard time finding clothes that fit properly because my waist isn't where it's "supposed" to be, so my hips are already starting where the waist is on many dresses and shirts. And one piece bathing suits are completely out.
I obviously can't change the length of my spine, so I just focus on what I do like about my body (my small waist, my bum that I worked really hard for), and avoid clothes that don't look right on me.
Don't like your legs in shorts? Wear longer shorts. Or wear an eye catching top or necklace that distracts from your legs. Or great shoes. I think my legs look dumpy in flats, but love them in high heels.
And practice not caring so much. I was always someone who wore makeup all the time, but I can't wear it when I exercise or I'll end up Alice Cooper. Looking like a sweaty, steaming pile of poo when I run made me realize that what my body can accomplish is much greater than how it looks.0 -
Sorry ,I can't see you legs so I'm not sure what you don't like about them.0
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It took me years to accept my legs (AKA: Tree Trunks). One hot summer day, I said "f" it and made peace with them...Me and my chunky legs became friends. I never looked back, I wear shorts, skirts ect and don't think twice about it. I am grateful for my strong legs...they take through 6 mile runs, hard workouts and allow me to excel at cycling. You have to move on, it is a waste of time!0
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Tell that to the verteran who lost both legs in the war - or the female police officer who lost the use of both hers after getting shot in the back.....:huh: :explode:
And then maybe go volunteer somewhere with people in wheelchairs so you can be thankfull about having functional healthy legs....
Are you kidding? This is the best post that will probably be on this thread. Sorry if the OP or others find it offensive or harsh, but sometimes the truth isn't best served with sugar. I have a friend who lost both legs to diabetes, he'd probably give anything to have them back regardless of what they look like. It's hard to hear people say they "hate" anything about their body. There are things I wouldn't mind looking better and I work on that but there isn't anything I "hate", I'm healthy, fully functioning and very grateful.
This is a very good motivating thread I pass around a lot, I love the attitudes of these ladies and maybe it will help you to have a more positive outlook regarding your legs http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/811361-ladies-who-love-their-thighs-welcome
Good luck!0 -
Tell that to the verteran who lost both legs in the war - or the female police officer who lost the use of both hers after getting shot in the back.....:huh: :explode:
And then maybe go volunteer somewhere with people in wheelchairs so you can be thankfull about having functional healthy legs....
I wanted useful suggestions on how to deal with self-image issues.
I wasnt complaining about the two bum knees that I have, or the painful bunion,or the too short tendons in my calves that constantly cause my feet to lock up and my legs to cramp and then saying " i wish I had new legs".
If you have some inspirational or supportive words to help me accept what I have I'd be grateful to hear it. Otherwise....dont say anything.
1st- What she said is true, it may not have come wrapped in rainbows, but it is a harsh truth that should put things in perspective.
2nd- Public forum. You can't control how someone says something or what they say.
Last- if you are really concerned about having body image issues, I suggest you look into counseling. There are a lot of organizations, online support groups, etc...that are more built/schooled in dealing with such things.0 -
I'm 5'2'' and my knees/thighs are the worst on me also. From my knees down I am able to really tone my calves and am okay with those but the knees up are thick no matter what size I am. They never seem to tighten and look toned. I'm not sure what exercises help people like us. At the gym I use a weight machine that allows to work the outside of the thighs and the inside of the thighs but it doesn't seem to change them.0
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Same story here ! but they're getting more toned by the day and im liking them0
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focus less on what they look like, and more on what they can do.
Sign up for a race. Trust me. Best thing you can do. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Capt_Apollo/view/why-you-should-be-preparing-for-a-race-5456630 -
You probably have somebody's favorite shape of legs, and that somebody would love to see them.
An aquaintance once exclaimed to me "girl, you got some big thighs!" I kind of laughed it off in the moment, but later I cried about it. When I got to know him better, I learned that big thighs were his ideal of beauty in a woman. It had been a compliment! unbelievable but true
I think you should give hating your legs a rest, really. Very few people are going to look at your legs and think "ugly". Most people are so wrapped up in their own insecurities that they aren't going to notice yours.0 -
Good for you stand up for yourself...I was going to say almost what you did to that person!!!...that was a rude comment. And yes, we all have issues with some part of our body that we cannot figure out how to accept but we do, we live with our flaws cause no body is perfect. I am large and hate my flabby bumpy legs but ya know what, I am losing weight and when I can wear something that is not a plus size you bet your butt I will wear shorts and dresses...(well actually wear dresses now but not short dresses too old for that) I will be proud to show off the less fat me but I am not expecting all the bumps to be gone, just be smaller...oh I hope at least...Tell that to the verteran who lost both legs in the war - or the female police officer who lost the use of both hers after getting shot in the back.....:huh: :explode:
And then maybe go volunteer somewhere with people in wheelchairs so you can be thankfull about having functional healthy legs....
I wanted useful suggestions on how to deal with self-image issues.
I wasnt complaining about the two bum knees that I have, or the painful bunion,or the too short tendons in my calves that constantly cause my feet to lock up and my legs to cramp and then saying " i wish I had new legs".
If you have some inspirational or supportive words to help me accept what I have I'd be grateful to hear it. Otherwise....dont say anything. . 0 -
i feel your pain. its my knees too (that lil glob of fat on the inside knees). i remember them still looking like that when i got down to 162. not sure they will ever go away but i avoid wearing shorts in public too even when its 100 degrees outside
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Hi Kelley,
I feel the same about my arms but I try to accentuate my good or better assets/qualities.
I admire men and women who may be a little heavy but don't care what others think and are confident in their looks.
You're very pretty and I am sure others are not so hard on you as you are on yourself...
I recently took before pictures and thought I looked dreadful but my coworkers say that I'm being too hard on myself and they are not seeing every inch of fat but how much I have lost so far....I'm sorry you feel this way about your legs because there are so many summer dresses that are out there and you should just be brave and wear them...my boyfriend convinced me to wear short sleeves and he said he never understood the big fuss I made over my arms...take care and if you need a supportive friend you can add me.0 -
P.S: I'm not crazy about my legs (or any of me really), but I'm not going to be hot over it, so yes, I'll wear shorts when the temperature exceeds 80. Also, I love swimming, so I'm not going to refuse to put on a swimming suit, either. Life is for living, not hiding. It's the rare person who has no flaws, and even that person probably gets insecure at one time or another.0
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I bet some other lady out there may look at your legs and think "wow, I wish I had legs like her". Like everyone else says, you're your own worst critic! I am not in love with my legs either, not because I feel they are big, but because I feel like I have chicken legs. It's a genetic thing for me, and I always look super ridiculous is tight dresses cause my legs do not fill out the bottom half of the dress lol. Oh well though, it's what God gave me and I just try to dress in a way that compliments my skinny legs.0
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I hate my legs too but I've learned to deal with them by telling myself:
1. They could be much worse. At least I don't have vericose veins or cankles. Be grateful for anything nice about yourself.
2. My legs are strong and my calves are shapely (if a little too big).
3. My legs allow me to run and I love running.0 -
My goal is to replace my fat on my legs for muscle. Now, I don't know exactly what they'll look like when most all the fats gone, but I know I'm going to wear shorts and skirts excitedly. I'm going to be excited because my legs won't rub together. Don't strive for the typical; strive for *your* best body you feel great (great as in healthy) at. And rock those shorts and skirts, even if you think your legs dont look toned. I have that piece of paper folded look to my calves/thighs where they meet behind the knee. Now I know that is not a toned look, but honestly, I don't know if its possible and if it is to get those vertical (tendons?) look behind the knees. I don't know if thats toning or a difference in leg types. So dont stress. Be you and show off your legs!!
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Thanks for sharing your own experiences. I can understand the correlation between my issues with my legs and the people who have issues with their arms or whatever else.
The suggestions about just slowing easing into wearing the things I am not comfortable with is helpful.
As others have said, and I know they are right, I am probably my own worst critic. Maybe I do have the ideal leg type for someone else out there.
The society we live in where people run around half naked on a daily basis doesnt help much. It can make you feel like if you dont look a certain way then you shouldnt be seen.
My boyfriend is always trying to convince me to wear shorts. Maybe I will start sleeping in them until I get used to it....ughh...
Again, thanks for the people who offered supportive opinions.0 -
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Thanks for sharing your own experiences. I can understand the correlation between my issues with my legs and the people who have issues with their arms or whatever else.
The suggestions about just slowing easing into wearing the things I am not comfortable with is helpful.
As others have said, and I know they are right, I am probably my own worst critic. Maybe I do have the ideal leg type for someone else out there.
The society we live in where people run around half naked on a daily basis doesnt help much. It can make you feel like if you dont look a certain way then you shouldnt be seen.
My boyfriend is always trying to convince me to wear shorts. Maybe I will start sleeping in them until I get used to it....ughh...
I found out that if I gave myself such a poor self image that maybe my three daughters would take after me in that way because I remember once my oldest daughter staring at herself for a very long time in the mirror complaining about her nose and when I told her it was fine she reminded me of how I was about my arms so for her and my other two daughters and my boyfriend I just decided what the heck! Take care and wearing shorts around the house first sounds like a plan!
Again, thanks for the people who offered supportive opinions.0 -
It took me years to accept my legs (AKA: Tree Trunks). One hot summer day, I said "f" it and made peace with them...Me and my chunky legs became friends. I never looked back, I wear shorts, skirts ect and don't think twice about it. I am grateful for my strong legs...they take through 6 mile runs, hard workouts and allow me to excel at cycling. You have to move on, it is a waste of time!
I am trying to foster this attitude myself. I also have "Tree trunks". I am short with short legs, usually very thick without that "thigh gap" everyone is coveting and thick ankles. I never wear shorts, I hate skirts. And nothing I do is going to change my legs short of starving myself. Which I will not do-I love food too much!. I was going for a lunchtime walk and thinking about my legs and trying to tell myself "Genetics gave you short but strong legs, so why not train them to be the most powerful legs you can get", I felt OK with that, I do like the idea of having legs that support me while I exercise and can kick some serious @$$!0 -
I promise you the only way you are going to learn to accept your legs is to start wearing shorts and skirts and dresses out of the house. Just do it. If it helps to try it out at a time when you won't see as many people, then go grocery shopping early on a Saturday or Sunday morning, or go to the mall right when it opens and walk a few laps. You will slowly get used to the idea. And while you may always care about looking your best, you will, at some point, stop caring what other people think about your legs, specifically. The more often you go out in clothes that show off your legs, the faster this will happen.0
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