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MALES ATHLETES
Enhancing Male Body
Image
- Recognize that bodies come in all different
sizes and shapes. There is no “right “
body size. Your body is not and should not be
exactly like anyone else’s. Try to see
your body as a facet of your uniqueness and
individuality.
- Focus on the qualities in yourself that you
like that are not related to appearance. Spend
time developing these capacities rather than
letting your appearance define your identity
and your worth.
- Look critically at advertisements that push
the “body building” message. Our
culture emphasizes the V-shaped muscular body
shape as the ideal for men. Magazines targeted
at men tend to focus on articles and advertisements
promoting weight lifting, body-building or muscle
toning. Do you know men who have muscular, athletic
bodies by who are not happy? Are there dangers
in spending too much time focusing on your body?
Consider giving up your goal of achieving the
“perfect” male body and work at
accepting your body just the way it is.
- Remember that your body size, shape, or weight
does not determine your worth as a person, or
your identity as a man. In other words, you
are not just your body. Expand your idea of
“Masculinity” to include qualities
such as sensitivity, cooperation, caring, patience,
having feelings, being artistic. Some men may
be muscular and athletic, but these qualities
in and of themselves do not make a person a
“man”.
- Find friends who are not overly concerned
with weight or appearance.
- Be assertive with others who comment on you
body. Let people know that comments on your
physical appearance, either positive or negative,
are not appreciated. Confront others who tease
men about their bodies or who attack their masculinity
by calling them names such as “sissy”
or “wimp”.
- Demonstrate respect for men who possess body
types or who display personality traits that
do not meet the cultural standard for masculinity;
e.g., men who are slender, short, or overweight,
gay men, men who dress colorfully or who enjoy
traditionally “non-masculine” activities
such as dancing, sewing or cooking.
- Be aware of the negative messages you tell
yourself about your appearance or body. Respond
to negative self-talk with an affirmation. For
example, if you start giving yourself a message
like, “I look gross”, substitute
a positive affirmation like, “I accept
myself the way I am,” or “I’m
a worthwhile person, fat and all”.
- Focus on the ways in which your body serves
you and enables you to participate fully in
life. In other words, appreciate how your body
functions rather than obsessing about its appearance.
For example, appreciate that your arms enable
you to hold someone you love, your thighs enable
you to run, etc.
- Aim for lifestyle mastery, rather than mastery
over your body, weight, or appearance. Lifestyle
mastery has to do with developing your unique
gifts and potential, expressing yourself, developing
meaningful relationships, learning how to solve
problems, establishing goals, and contributing
to life. View exercise and balanced eating as
aspects of your overall approach to a life that
emphasizes self-care.
Information on this page
has been adapted from Shiltz,t. (1997) “Suggestions
for Improving Body Image Handout 7.1”
in Eating Concerns Support Group Curriculum,
Community Recovery Press, Greenfield, WI. Used
with Permission from the National Eating Disorder
Association.
Positive Body Image can
be achieved through the three A’s:
Attention –
listening for and responding to internal cues
(like hunger, fullness, fatigue, sadness)
Appreciation –
appreciating the pleasures our bodies can
provide
Acceptance –
accepting our bodies as they are, instead
of longing for what they are not
(Adapted from Freeman,
Rita. (1988) Learning to like our looks and
Ourselves. Harper and Row)
The National Eating Disorders Association
has a super site in helping you build positive
body image. Connect with them at www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Click on these documents for more information
on feeling great in the body you have!
10
steps to Positive Body Image
20
Ways to Love Your Body
Every
Body Is Different
Listen
to Your Body
10
Willpowers for Improving Body Image
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