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MALES ATHLETES
What is body image?
When BodySense asked athletes, parents, and coaches
to describe athletes with positive body image,
these are some of the attributes they came up
with:
- He wears clothes that are comfortable
- He is not trying to change his body
- He speaks positively about himself and his
body
- He doesn’t put others down
- He says how he is feeling
- He loves all food and eats without feeling
guilty
- He compares himself to himself and not to
others
- He doesn’t change himself for others’
approval
- He smiles a lot and makes eye contact
- He does things that he loves outside of his
sport
- He speaks out about things that bug him
- He eats as much as he wants, does not restrict
- He does not use supplements, pills or powders
to build his body
- He expresses his emotions
- He listens well
- He doesn’t take things personally
Body image is...
- How you see yourself when you look in the
mirror or when you picture yourself in your
mind.
- What you believe about your own appearance
(including your memories, assumptions, and generalizations).
- How you feel about your body, including your
height, shape, and weight.
- How you sense and control your body as you
move. How you feel in your body, not just about
your body.
Negative body image is...
- A distorted perception of your shape--you
perceive parts of your body unlike they really
are.
- You are convinced that only other people
are attractive and that your body size or shape
is a sign of personal failure.
- You feel ashamed, self-conscious, and anxious
about your body.
- You feel uncomfortable and awkward in your
body.
Positive body image is .
. .
- A clear, true perception of your shape-you
see the various parts of your body as they really
are.
- You celebrate and appreciate your natural
body shape and you understand that a person’s
physical appearance says very little about their
character and value as a person.
- You feel proud and accepting of your unique
body and refuse to spend an unreasonable amount
of time worrying about food, weight, and calories.
- You feel comfortable and confident in your
body.
People with negative body image have a greater likelihood
of developing an eating disorder and are more likely
to suffer from feelings of depression, isolation,
low self-esteem, and obsessions with weight loss
and bulking up or trying to change their bodies.
We all may have our days when we feel awkward or
uncomfortable in our bodies, but the key to developing
positive body image is to recognize and respect
our natural shape and learn to overpower those negative
thoughts and feelings with positive, affirming,
and accepting ones. Accept yourself - Accept your
body. Celebrate yourself - Celebrate your body.
2002, National Eating Disorders
Association. used with permission. www.nationaleatingdisorders.org |
