Barbells and Breasts
This is essentially a reflection and response to my SQUEEMING TRUTH blog which went viral last week. Thank you to you all for commenting (good and bad), sharing and helping spread the message. I received hundreds of private messages, as well as public ones displayed on my post, which made me dig deep and think a lot of things through. My usual posts are about MOTIVATING and INSPIRING people through respecting their body through proper nutrition, daily movement, positive thought and embracing of their body. Needless to say when I wrote the “squeem” post, it was outside of my comfort zone; but I felt a need to speak out on something that, IN MY OPINION, is horrible to project onto young women in the fitness industry. Having to succumb to “waist training” to meet the judges criteria. The few “negative” comments I received alluded to my “lack of research” and “scientific proof.” To those I respond, this is NOT a science journal, rather my blog in which I post my own personal opinion. I don’t need a study to write my opinion, but rather know over a dozen girls who have had long term side effects from squeeming. Their testimonial, and my personal conversations with a G.I specialist were enough “evidence” to write an opinion blog. In terms of “corsets” which ARE different and used for different reasons outside of the fitness industry, it was not my intention to mix the two in the same bowl- however I am sure that “tight-lacing” regardless for the reasons behind it, is still not ideal in terms of digestion, deep breathing, and comfort, but hey, that is only MY OPINION. What I really wanted to touch upon, and what really hit home was a couple of comments regarding “breast augmentation” surgery and the fitness world. Here we go….deep breath…this isn’t easy for me, but I once again feel a need to write….
When women train and eat for their specific sport, whether they are into bodybuilding, cross-fit or gymnastics, they start to lose body fat percentage and their physique starts to change;not only is the body fat lost on their legs, arms and abs, but unfortunately, their breasts as well. I discovered this first hand over 7 years ago as I went through two milestones. I had just finished one whole year of exclusive breastfeeding with my daughter and also discovered training for the first time in my life. When I say that my daughter “sucked” the milk out of me, it seems as though she sucked out all of the breast tissue as well:) I gave a new meaning to the term “rocks in socks.” I had already been to a plastic surgeon years before in Spain while living there (it is quite common there), but chickened out and decided that if it were to ever happen for me, it would be post- childbirth. So here I was, postpartum, with many hopes and aspirations for my new born as well as my new family. It was also the first time in my life that I took my old habits of overeating, zero exercise and drinking too much and flushed them down the drain. Along with my new fitness lifestyle, came all of the AMAZING positive results; new found energy for my newborn, better moods, better posture, clothes fitting better etc etc. But of course, there was not enough padding in the Victoria Secret Warehouse to make up for my concave chest. With the support of my husband, I decided to go for another consult and took the plunge. My daughter was 2 at the time, and although I had started in the competition world, this had NOTHING to do with this new hobby. This was an old “skeleton in my closet” that reared its “ugly” head. Not that I need to share this, but I did return to my “pre-pregnancy” size- 34-B. Most people did not notice, and many friends asked why I even spent that kind of money for something that is unnoticeable to most. And I guess that is my point. I did this for ME. I DIDNT do this to win a plastic trophy, or make sure my proportions on stage fit the ideal of an organization. The truth is, I DONT look all that proportionate as my breast size is still “small” in regards to my frame. But guess what?? I AM HAPPY! I now love shopping for bras and buy the ones I love, not the ones with the most padding. I love to wear bathing suits to the beach, buy dresses I like, wear halter tops and backless dresses without worrying about if I can wear a “level 5” bra with it. But the question that pops up in my head is, but is this all that different than the other extreme measures? I really don’t know. To be honest, I am on the fence. I also feel like this opens up a pandoras box…but hey, why not?
Did I change my body? Yes. Did I “contort” its natural state? Yes. Did I use an extreme measure other than diet, exercise and hard work to get them? Yes. Is it really that different to waist training? I guess not. Could it potentially harm me as I suggest with my former blog and squeeming? Yes. Did I do it to meet a panel of judges criteria? NO.
Where do you stand? I would love to hear your opinion…..of course I will post it here, as long as it does not start with ….”your retarded”
Rita
Thank you for being honest! It is something I’ve been on the fence about for 5 years (ever since losing 80 lbs).
I loved this part of your blog post: “Most people did not notice, and many friends asked why I even spent that kind of money for something that is unnoticeable to most. And I guess that is my point. I did this for ME.” I got my abs sewed back together (tummy tuck) after giving birth to two children and then being left with diastasis recti (separated ab muscles). People do not notice the difference post-surgery, but I notice the difference, and I am so glad I went through with it. If you are going to have some sort of reconstructive surgery, make sure it is for the right reasons, and not for others opinions of you.
Thank you for sharing!
May I ask who you would recommend in the Toronto area? I too lost my breasts due to nursing
I dont know. I am sorry.
I appreciate your honesty and your willingness to talk about this.
Thank you;)
I want them for the exact reasons as you given I am a very petite woman with very small breasts due to low body fat but my fiancé does not seem to be behind me. He doesn’t think I need them. It’s truely a confidence thing for me and to help make me feel comfortable in my skin. Any ideas how to get him to support this decision?
For me, I was lucky enough to have the support of my husband, but not my parents. But after having them done, I explained my reasons to them, and in the end, they accept. It is your body in the end. Good luck!
I think that breast augmentation and squeeming are two very different things. I understand the vanity paralells, but there are two significant distinctions I can’t look past. For one, breast augmentation takes place under the care of a physician. Secondly, Breasts aren’t something you can change with dedication, hard work, and diet. I guess I’m biased though since I had mine done a few years ago and absolutely love them. To each her own : )
Great points Brittany. Thank you for taking time to share them.
Your are only a inspiration to me thank you for helping people who love the information :))
You are welcome! Thank you for your comment!
Great Post Rita! Can I ask which way you decided to go? (Behind the muscle, in front of the muscle)? I am also interested in surgery. Thanks again for all you do!
I hope this post doesn’t become me advocating for breast augmentation- I just wanted to share my story:) Your doctor will know best:) Good luck!
I have lost over 90lbs and have contemplated for the past year on getting a boob job but have held off because I have not have children and probably won’t for another 3-5 years. I want to compete but my boobs are stopping me because I am afraid that tiny bikini won’t hold the floppiness in place. I just started following you via Instagram. Did you have yours done after you started competing or did you get up on that stage with no fear what so ever??
My first few (at least 3) were done with padded bathing suits. I felt GREAT on stage, my new body and confidence. I placed well- top 3 at the second 2- and have placed lower and higher with breast augmentation. It is about the confidence you exude on stage. Nicole Nigrani won the Olympia Bikini with NO breast implants a few years back. Its about your confidence! Dont let that deter you from your goal!
I think it’s great that you did this for yourself and it made you feel good. That may not be good enough for some people, but acceptance from others is secondary. I had a reduction to change my size from an H cup down to DD. It meant that I could finally work out without feeling self conscious. I’ve lost 40 lbs so far. Your journey belongs to you and I’m happy for you.
Thank you for sharing:) It is true- reduction, augmentation, etc. It is our own journey to chose. Thanks again,
Love this! Thank you for sharing! My husband and I were just talking about this the other day, as my biggest “fear” of my weight loss is a smaller cup size. So silly, but for me, it’s a big deal! My body, my choice. Your body, your choice! Rock n roll Rita! Xoxo
Thabk you so much for sharing! It’s great to hear other peoples stories especially as active and fit as you. Can you please comment on if this has affected your training? I am 14 months post op, I have always enjoyed rocking out the weights and push ups.
I would love to hear if you have experienced any of these experiences.
Unfortunately, since my augmentation I had found I am not able to do many excercises that involve the pecs, and I am scheduled for a second augmentation in the fall to correct current deformations that have taken place because of weight lifting
I too was not able to do push ups and pull ups for a while- probably 8 months to a year. I found alternatives like the corner press and rows. Its been 5 years and I can say that I don’t notice them anymore….just in good ways. good luck!
I can totally relate to this post, except I was the opposite, my breasts were way too large for my frame. It caused me a lot of physical discomfort as well as being the butt of every joke amongst my friends. So I decided to change my body too and had a breast reduction. I know exactly the feeling you’re talking about when you say how great it is to finally be able to wear whatever bra you want and confidently wear a bikini. From that perspective, I would say that you don’t have to defend anything you do that makes you feel so much better about yourself! There is, in my opinion, no comparison between a common surgery like a breast augmentation and crushing your internal organs with squeeming.
Thank you Lindsay.
Great post Rita!! I have been on the fence for years now. Never made that step for a consultation but certainly something I think about often! My hubby stands behind me in whatever decision down the road, this would be something I would do for me and truly one part of my body that i really have never liked or loved! I think whatever makes you feel or exude more confidence then so be it. We all have to be happy in our skin
Thank you for sharing Nadia!
Seeing as my breasts looked like pecs and were not at all attractive from competing/dieting i couldnt agree more to have surgory. You have to what makes you happy. Breast augment isnt even extreme anymore these days, its common.
There are girls out there doing much more harm to thier bodies with extreme diets, fat buners and anabolics!
I just got mine don’t 3 weeks ago and for the same reason. I had not had a baby but I had had boobs when I was heavier and of course then turned flat when my body fat was a lot lower. Feel great and I also waited a year after my first consultation. It was a great decision to wait and a great decision to get them! I’m very happy!
Fantastic!!! Speedy recovery!
As I am sitting here recovering from my breast augmentation this blog post really helped me put into words what I am going through mentally. I too coach women to compete in the most natural way possible. I do not advise any of the extreme training or dietary techniques to any of my team members. If they are only chasing a plastic trophy I do not see a need for them on my team.
Back to the subject… my battle for the lost boobies started as soon as I lost weight for my first competition 3 years ago. My new itty bitties were validation… They showed me that I was able to lose body fat and transform my body on my own, the natural way. Even after doing a breast consultation two years ago I put the sample implants in and the feeling of “being heavy” came flying back. I took them out and walked out of the doctor’s office. At the time they weren’t for me.
Fast forward 2 years, Now I sit here recovering with the smallest implant they make. Not because I compete or do some small amounts of fitness modeling, but because with more years of training and more lean mass – I built pecs. My chest lost its feminine appearance. I did it for personal reasons – I learned how to pad my bra/competition suit like a pro. But when the straps came off I was proud of my muscle but dissatisfied with my unfeminine appearance. It was a mental battle. I’m on day 4 of my recovery and I don’t know if I will be 100% happy with the outcome. But it was really empowering to read this post. It helped me put into words what I am going through. I don’t want to hide the fact that I have augmented my beasts but I want to reassure women who look up to me for being a natural athlete WHY I made the decision.
Thank you Rita for being that woman that I continue to look up to!!
Wow- thank you for sharing Chanel. Good for you and I love that you did it for you!!! Keep me posted!
All women should do what makes them happy so long as it is not hurting anyone else and hopefully they are minimizing any risks to their own health. In my opinion if you are being extremely objective, there is actually a much greater risk having breast augmentation (death during surgery or post-op) than this “squeeming’ you spoke of. I searched and could not find a case of anyone dying from waist training. I think they are both very similar concepts in that the purpose is to alter the appearance of the body. I haven’t done either and hadn’t even heard of ‘squeeming’ until I read your blog. I compete and have lost most of my breast tissue from being lean. I do think there is pressure on women competitors when often up to 50% of the division has breast implants. I’ve figured out how to stuff the bikini pretty well. I don’t think it was fair to criticize women who try waist training especially having undergone breast augmentation yourself. Kind of like calling the kettle black. However, kudos to you for writing the blog and sharing your thoughts on a personal matter. I think all opinions should be respected even if we don’t always agree.
Thank you for your comment:)
I am late to the party here. Women who think this is food for thought on getting plastic sacs please look up Dr Susan Kolb, and Dr. Melmet. 27 different known carcinogens go into the manufacturing of the silicon shells. It is the ONLY medical device with a 100% failure rate. It will eff your body up! It took 8 years before mine went bad, but once they did it was hell. I wouldn’t let my worst enemy go in for this “minor” surgery without being armed with knowledge. And yeah, you may have zero scars during the augmentation. I had zero. Now that I had to have them removed I look like Frankenstein. Seriously, looks like I breast fed a wolverine. And the cost of removal is 4 times what it was to put them in. Love your body. And the breasts you were blessed with.