You can’t please everyone. That’s a fact I can’t change. Yet a lot of people are trying to make me feel bad about my choices, and I won’t keep quiet anymore.

I can’t ignore it when someone calls me too bulky or manly, or asks if I still find myself pretty. For two years, I’ve been doing CrossFit and, since August 2016, I’ve been working out five to six times a week. My body has changed. I’ve never been stronger or felt better in my life. But I’ve also been getting negative comments from people because of my physique, so now I feel it’s time to address you, my “haters.”

CrossFit girl climbing rope in CrossFit box tough fitness self-confidence letter to my haters
Don’t let the haters into your head. Set your own goals and climb your way to success.

So, dear haters:

Do you really think I hate working out – or the way I look? No. It makes me incredibly happy to go to the gym every day, kick ass at the box, and go home with a smile on my face.

 Everyone has their own idea of beauty

Just because you think I look bulky, or someone else looks overweight to your standards, that doesn’t make it true. It took me over seven years to finally accept my body. I am not – nor will I ever be – the woman with slim legs. I never felt comfortable in my body until I started CrossFit. When I now look into the mirror, I feel sexy and proud of myself.

This might come as a surprise, but I also don’t have a battle with the scales – I can eat pretty much what I want throughout the day, and that’s an awesome feeling. Eating good food and looking great is what many of us want, right?

Define what makes YOU happy

“How can you spend so much time in the gym?” “Why don’t you just relax and have a drink?”

Some people post selfies every day, some party every weekend, others don’t even know what makes them happy.

Just because you consider their hobby bad or ridiculous, doesn’t mean that the person you’re talking about feels the same way. So no, my life is not miserable. In fact, I’ve never been happier.

CrossFit girl sitting on the ground next to a barbell showing a thumbs up self-confidence letter to your haters training
CrossFit has made me stronger both mentally and physically.

The social media problem

“You post too much on social media!” “You pretend to be the best female CrossFitter in the world!”

Please note that I post on social media whenever I want, and if you don’t like it, you are free to unfollow. (I always chuckle when I discover the people who claim I post too much are the same ones who always view my Instagram stories.)

I love to share my CrossFit experience and pride when I achieve a personal record or master a new gymnastic move. I hope to motivate others with my pictures and videos.

You’ve made it to the end of my letter. Maybe I have changed your mind, maybe not. Perhaps, however, you will think twice before making nasty comments about someone else and their life choices the next time.

To other people who are also dealing with haters, I found a perfect quote from Coco Chanel:

Burpees and Blush

It’s okay to be fierce and feminine.

Read next

13 COMMENTS & EXTERNAL REFERRALS

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by Gemina Stroud 02.03.2017
Let your haters be your motivators, Miriam! Tell them to keep calm and let you get your CrossFit on!
Reply
by Miriam Gemina Stroud 10.03.2017
Thank you Gemina... :)!
Reply
by Isabel 03.03.2017
I´m totally agree with the first sentences of the post: "you can`t please everyone".
But what I don't understand is that if someone don't like your body or whatever of you, instead of don't care about it they do as much as possible to let it you know.
I mean, if I don't like something, I just don't care about it at all, specially if it is something that do not affect in diary life!! Let's make a more positive world just taking care about what makes us happy!
And this is exactly what you do! So I really want to congrats for it.
Have you ever thing about do speeches to teenage girls&boys about this topic?
Reply
by Miriam Isabel 10.03.2017
Dear Isabel,

thank you for your kind words ! :)
No I haven´t thought about it yet.. if you know someone who is interested let me know !
Reply
by andres bolanos 08.03.2017
awesome reading, but let me tell you it dont add up cause youre pretty beatiful. keep enjoying your crossfit path and thanks
Reply
by Miriam andres bolanos 10.03.2017
Thank you Andreas, it´s great to read your lines...
Makes me feeld good about what I wrote...
Reply
by Dominique 20.03.2017
Thanks for sharing! I feel very inspired rigth now and after an injury on my foot I can't wait to be back on my training plan. I've been through the same thing because I like running a lot but I just keep pushing harder to beat my last times. Keep going and don't worry for the haters.

Greetings from Chile!
Reply
Nina Weihrauch
Nina Weihrauch | Editor Dominique 21.03.2017
Hi Dominique,

I hope your foot is getting better every day?!
I can relate to your story as I'm also an ambitious person on the football field and at work. But I'm convinced that being ambitious and always aiming at moving forward is an awesome trait and makes you an MVP in every team!

Keep up your fire and get well soon,

Nina
Reply
by Dominique Nina Weihrauch 27.03.2017
Thank u! And my foot is getting better, in two weeks I'll be back.

Hope you have an awesome week.
Reply
Nina Weihrauch
Nina Weihrauch | Editor Dominique 05.04.2017
Happy to hear that, Dominique.

Keep us posted and be an athlete in everything you do,

Nina
Reply
by Bill 27.03.2017
Hi Miriam,
First off let me state you are a beautiful woman! What I don't understand as of late is people addressing these haters/trolls what have you. Is it therapeutic for you to do so? You won't change who they are. Your words will actually incite more negative feedback because you are responding to them. I'm just curious. I guess what I would recommend is take the high road and keep inspiring as you have done.

-Bill
Reply
by Sway 30.08.2019
I guarantee 99% of those haters are JEALOUS. Both men and woman, who don't have the discipline you have to make something of yourself. Stay true to you!
Reply

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16.03.2022

Say goodbye to the beauty ideal - Yoni