We spend a lot of our time obsessing about our “imperfect” bodies- our “fat” thighs, our “bad” hair, and our “flawed” skin. The amount of effort we put into comparing our bodies to others, judging ourselves harshly and pressuring ourselves to have the perfect body that the media presents to us, could be put into appreciating and respecting the bodies we do have. The idea that girls, teenagers and women should be extremely thin is being created and cultivated within our society.The demands we put on ourselves to be thin is harsh and ones we would never put on our family and friends. Our conception of how we “should” look has become totally unrealistic.

So how do we overcome these incomplete, inaccurate feelings of dissatisfaction with our bodies? In Nancy Clark’s article “Are you imagining the wrong body?” she states that “the better approach is to build self-esteem and focus on what the body can “do” versus how it looks,” (Clark 1). I agree with Clark; I believe we need to do this not only for ourselves but also to be an example for our children, friends and family. By ridding ourselves of the negative energy we carry around concerning our looks, we can be much better served by creating and instilling the positive energy that allows us to live a happy, productive and authentic life. It’s time to eliminate our mind-body disconnect and take some steps to revere our bodies. Below is a brief list of possible ways we might change our thinking “to find peace with our bodies, redefine our goals, and accept ourselves as being good people,” (Cash 2).

1. Love yourself from the inside out (for who you are) as opposed to the outside in (what you look like). (1)

2. Be aware of how harshly you judge and compare yourself. Would you judge your loved ones that way?

3. Accept and respect the body that you were given.

4. Be aware of perfectionist thinking (striving for a perfect body) and enjoy your given body that is “good enough”.

5. Appreciate all the things your body can do for you on a daily basis. Strong legs (formerly fat thighs) allow you to be active and fit. (2)

6. Respect the genetic differences in body types and sizes.

7. Give a new affirmative name to a body part that you do not like. For instance a “round stomach” is a more reverent name than a “fat gut”. (2)

8. Create positive body talk by identifying the parts of your body you do like, such as silky hair, long legs, or gorgeous eyes. (2)

References

1. Clark, Nancy, M.S., R.D., CSSD, FACSM. Are You Imagining the Wrong Body? ACSM’s Health and Fitness Journal. 2010; 14 (7-10)

2. Cash T. The Body Image Workbook: An 8-step Program for Learning to Like your Looks. Oakland (CA): New Harbinger Publications; 2008

3. Lundeman A. Self-esteem: its application to eating disorders and athletes. Int. J. sport Nutr. 1994;4(3):237-52

4. Yager Z, O’Dea J. Prevention programs for body image and eating disorders on university campuses: a review of large, controlled interventions. Health Promot Innt. 2008;23(2):173-89

In our classes an environment is created where women can enjoy the playfulness of childhood, while bonding with other women, and heightening a sense of belonging, trust, and accountability. We have women empowering women through fitness in various outdoor environments. Women are encouraged to step out of their self limiting beliefs and into a world of taking risks, while being treated with respect.

The result is women who are laughing, listening, admiring, and caring for and with others, making it possible for each to accomplish what they thought they never could. An entire emotional and social support system emerges that encourages validation and fulfillment from each other. Meaningful lifestyle changes are taking place in an inspiring and safe environment that leave these women feeling motivated, connected, healthy and well.

Too often we say to ourselves with great gusto, I am going to get in shape this year, only to fail because we are doing it alone. A Certified Personal Trainer and each member of a small group fitness class can help you in ways that you would never imagine,and provide you with fitness fellowship, accountability, motivation, confidentiality, and laughter. With a common thread of wanting to live a healthier lifestyle, there is an immediate sense of belonging. The teaming up of women with a variety of skills and approaches provides a setting that leads to success. So get out there and join one of our groups or try a one on one session. The rewards and empowerment that you will receive will increase your state of well-being!