Why is it that many athletes who are clearly not large in any way, shape or form always saying they are fat? I have come to the conclusion that no matter what, body image will always be a psychological factor to motivation in sport. How one feels about their body, can influence their self-esteem, thereby causing changes in their motivation towards a goal. Obviously, if that athlete in the sport, they can do what they do pretty well and they do it for a reason, so why focus on how they look. The body image factor can add a lot of negative influence (e.g, bulimia, anorexia, rapid changes in weight to gain or lose) that can be harmful to his or her health.
I see it as an extrinsic factor—trying to get into shape to look better and perform better and receive compliments on their body or avoid the bad ones. Let’s be honest, how many of you would think negatively if you saw a cheerleader who was on the larger size, a lanky football player, a girl wrestler, or short basketball player just by looking at them? I bring this up because I am a cheerleader, and every day I deal with body image issues—from boys and girls. Some people are so focused on the outward appearance of cheerleaders, that they overlook the skill that it takes to be at the elite level. We have to spend time working hard on our skills, and the other half trying to defend our sport and be comfortable in our bodies to avoid being judged by other cheerleaders or people at the games, competitions, etc. Girls who look great (not just "skinny") think they are fat because we are surrounded by a standard that people stereotype us as--small, skinny, pretty, and peppy. Let’s face it, skills aside, people want something nice to look at. And it is so frustrating that it has come to that because it can really mess with people’s minds. Yes, on a lighter note it can also be a positive push to work hard and stay in shape, but it depends on the person’s mental toughness. So the next time you watch a certain sport, think about how much you comment on the outward appearance of them compared to the skills or compare their lack of skills to their body image. It is an interesting observation...
Vanessa Reyes
Kin 339I M 7pm
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I think athletes, and cheerleaders, often have this struggle with body image because of their representatives in the media and professional world.
ReplyDeleteIf you're wondering why cheerleaders have body issues, look at cheerleaders in professional sports. Every one of them that I have seen looks something like a model. I have never seen an obese or even moderately chubby professional cheerleader. If you're a cheerleader that is struggling with weight, you're going to look up to these women and feel that there is something not quite right with your body. It seems quite obvious to me. Some blame should be put on the individuals that hire these cheerleaders, for I do not doubt that they reject heavier women in favor of these so-called "better looking" women. It's almost like a brutal cycle. Model-looking cheerleaders are the only ones that seem to get hired, so any aspiring cheerleader is going to strive as hard as possible to look like that, otherwise they'll never make the cut.
The same thing applies for most athletes. Everyone sees these muscular and in-shape athletes, so of course everyone that does not look like that is going to strive towards it.
I believe it's wrong, but I also think that is the reality of such professions. Colleges and professional sporting institutions will not be accepting any "fat" cheerleaders or unfit athletes anytime soon, so if you do not fit the mold then you have to work to fit in.
Eric Harnden
Kin 339i
M 7 PM
Body Image in Sports
ReplyDeleteAthletes come in all sizes and shapes. In sports the body type can be an advantage or disadvantage. When you think of gymnast you most likely think small in height but muscular and if the athlete is a woman, you most likely think small breasts. When you think football you imagine a big guy with a big massive body to take down the opponent. In Basketball the mind envisions a tall slender but strong person even though there are slender and short basketball players. There will always be the exceptions to the rule which obviously they have been able to succeed in their sport although they may not represent the majority of their peers. In most cases, yes, the public may comment on the athletes weak points of which one may be “body type” but the important thing to remember is that “we” are harder and more critical of our “body image” than anyone else. Sure we see the Greek and Roman statues that personify the beautiful body in men but the women were always “plump”. Women were probably “plump” because they were not considered athletes. Now women compete like men do but they do not have the same “body image” as a runway model might have. We all need to look at what we want to do and accept that what and how we are made is exclusive to us but what we chose to do with our ability no matter what “body image” we have is still our choice. We do need to have some role models and drive to achieve our goals but also we need to not be so “critical” of ourselves. When you know you have done all that is humanly possible to achieve a “healthy body” regardless of the publics idea of the “perfect body image”, that is all we can do. The goal now is to accept your “body image” and “feel good” about how you look. Life is short and dwelling on our perceived imperfections is a waste of time and energy. Let’s place our energy on accomplishing our goals, careers, and family.
A.pineda
kin339I