Weird problem - shoulders in summer

[FitFossil]

This is weird. Now that it's getting hot, everyone is wearing sleeveless tops. You'd think I couldn't wait to wear one since I've been working out like a mofo, but now I sort of feel strange baring my shoulders in public. (I work out in a sports bra all the time and for some reason it doesn't bother me at the gym.) They aren't anything close to bodybuilder quality but more like a fitness style, and personally, I am very proud of them.

Sometimes people I don't even know compliment me. On one hand it makes me feel good, but I feel sort of embarrased and guilty too. It's gotten so bad that if I know I'll be seeing certain people who always make favorable comments, I'll purposely not wear anything sleeveless. Even though they're being nice, it makes me feel weird.

Why do I feel this way?! I worked really hard for this. Everyone else is wearing sleevelss tops (even if they never worked out!) and it's not stopping them. Why me?! Anyone else ever feel this way? How do you get over it? I want to be proud, #ammit!

 

[Sassy69]

Hold your head up high and strut your stuff Fit - you earned it! If people notice, you can just say "Yea, I work out a little bit - you know, just to keep in shape".

I personally can't stand to wear sleeves so I'm always in some sort of tank top and a long sleeve jacket or sweater. Though since I'm "HUGE" as Lobo put it, I'm a little self conscious about wearing anything less than baggy. (This will change soon tho!)

 

[strongchick]

hmm. Having a built bod is like being a celebrity, kinda. People you don't know stop to talk to you. If you are in the mood for harassment or questioning, bare it all.

I can't even wear fitting sweaters without at least one fitness conversation, so I empathize. It's a tough life, being hot

 

[strongchick]

hey fitfossil...

feeling better about wearing sleeveless tops in the heat?

 

[IwannabeLita]

Hey! You should be proud to show off all that hard work! It's not like you're putting on a thong and walking down the beach, hun! And when people compliment, often times they wish they had what you do! Be proud and gutsy and just wear that tank top! And Have a nice weekend!

 

[new@gettinbig]

Hmmm cant say i have that problem, I only cover up my arms at work.....and that is mostly because i have a tattoo on my arm. SHOW WHAT YOU WORKED FOR!!! Most people lack a good toned physique. They have saggin arms and terrible, small shoulders. You sweat for them babies so dont be ashamed or emabarrassed!!! There is no reason to be.....r u shy??? People are going to look, some will compliment you and some will stare, only because you are different and you will stand out in a crowd. Its not the norm. I get some really evil stares and i get a few compliments to. People dont know what to say or think.......its summer...soon it will be winter and you need to flaunt it while you can

 

[wilson6]

My favorite look is the one where the middle age women wear skimpy tops in the summer time and their bra straps sink so far into the fat on their shoulders, they disappear. They are the ones that should be wearing sleeves, not you FF.

W6

 

[luv2workout]

I understand how you feel about covering up when going around certain people - I have a tendency to do that around my family b/c most of them are overweight and they have NO problems making comments about me and my working out, my eating habits..that sort of thing...They act like I am strange b/c it is very important to me...

Its been HOT here and Ive been in sleeveless shirts for months...once you wear a few sl.shirts out - I think you will feel better and it wont bother you as much....

 

[jazziemel]

Girl, show your shoulders why not? I live in miami, so wearing sleeveless shirts keep me cool, but I wear them all the time, I love my shoulders and arms. The only thing I hate, is when people come up to me and say "Damn you must workout" or "How much can you lift" It can be bothersome. At least I know my hard work is paying off.

 

[keiko]

I think a lot depends on the style. It might be that a halter or bustier is actually more flattering to you than a wife-beater, even though they show more skin. Or maybe a tank top with a different neck line than a moderate scoop might be better. I know that I look better with a slightly wider strap than a bra-style strap, but with a deeper neck, and while I'm not all that massive, I'm much bigger than your average soccer mom.