Body image in sport

Body image has long been a concern in sports, where athletes are often held to high physical standards and are expected to maintain a certain physique. In some sports, such as gymnastics, figure skating, and bodybuilding, the focus on appearance can be particularly intense. This pressure can lead to athletes developing negative body image, which can have serious consequences for their mental health and well-being.

One of the major issues with the emphasis on body image in sports is that it reinforces unrealistic beauty standards that are not only unattainable for many athletes but also potentially harmful. This can lead to disordered eating, including anorexia and bulimia, as well as the use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as steroids, to achieve the desired physique.

In order to promote a healthy body image in sports, it is important to shift the focus away from appearance and onto athletic performance. This can be achieved by promoting body diversity in sports, celebrating athletes of all shapes and sizes, and encouraging athletes to focus on their physical health rather than their appearance. It is also important to educate athletes, coaches, and fans about the dangers of disordered eating and substance abuse and to provide support for athletes who may be struggling with body image issues.

By focusing on athletic performance and promoting body diversity, we can create a sports culture that is supportive, inclusive, and empowering for all athletes and stop the cycle of punishing ourselves for what we ate the day before.

As an ex-competitive marathon runner, I would cycle through periods of excessive training just to burn calories. The more intense the training, the more intense the cycle and it went on and on. Once I decided I had enough and my body and mind could psychically continue on the path, everything inside me started to evolve once I started rewiring my brain using mental techniques, mental collaboration + metacognition techniques. I can help you achieve this too.