Body Image

Body image is how we feel about our bodies. It’s how we view our physical appearance, based on our own observation and what we perceive as others’ reactions to it. We compare our image of ourselves to what we think is the “ideal” image.

No matter what our size or weight, we can develop either a positive or negative view of our bodies. What we think of as the “ideal” body image has changed over time and can vary between cultural groups. Although we may think of body image issues as more prevalent in girls and women, it is now recognized that body image is also an issue relevant for boys and men. Research indicates that around half of children aged between 6 and 12 years old experience some dissatisfaction with their appearance. And body image concerns can begin as early as preschool.

Why is body image important? Those with a positive image of themselves feel more comfortable and confident in their ability to succeed. They don’t obsess about calories, food, or weight. And, they have the energy they need to enjoy physical activity. In contrast, those with a negative body image feel more self-conscious, anxious, and isolated. They are at greater risk for excessive weight gain and for eating disorders. Given these issues, it’s important to consider the impact of body image on our overall health. If you wonder about how pervasive body image is in our culture…there is actually an academic journal titled Body Image.

What are some ways we can adjust our thinking about body image?

 Focus on Health, Not Weight

Shift your focus from weight to health. Stop getting overly concerned about numbers on the scale. Instead, concentrate on great-tasting foods and fun physical activities. It’s not necessary to be counting calories or restricting your food intake. Focus on enjoying regular meals and learning how to make smart, tasty choices. Whatever our age or size, we feel better when we take care of our bodies because we want to have the energy to do all the things that we want to do. We can still have goals to focus on developing better eating and fitness habits.

Bust the Myth of the “Perfect Body”

Realize that the media shapes attitudes and beliefs that contribute to what we view as the ideal body. Therefore, it’s important to become a critical viewer of media messages. Question the images you see on television, in magazines, and on the internet and social media. These images encourage social comparison. However, many of these images are retouched or changed so the bodies appear “perfect.” Don’t internalize the message that equates being thin with beauty, success, and health. The pressure to conform to the ideal image spills over to having the perfect profile picture and the number of “likes” we get. Don’t get sucked in.

Find Physical Activities That Fit

Feeling fit, strong, and capable is one aspect of positive body image. All of us need to find regular physical activities that we enjoy. Some of us are natural athletes — we love sports. Some of us do better at individual activities, such as walking or riding a bike. Some of us may find our niche in yoga, karate, or a hip-hop dance class. It matters more that we’re physically active that the specific activity we do. See our previous post about the different types of physical activities we need.

Today’s Take-Away: Don’t buy into the media images of the “ideal.” Focus instead on a holistic view of health.

Yours in Health,

Signature

Theresa Ferrari, Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development

Adapted from:

Hayes, D. (2020, August 20). 5 ways to promote a positive body image for kids. Eat Right. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.eatright.org/health/weight-loss/your-health-and-your-weight/5-ways-to-promote-a-positive-body-image-for-kids

Daily Dose- Let’s Get Moving! Be Fit at Home

3 girls on yoga mats moving their arms

Yoga at the State Fair

Physical activity is one part of being fit and healthy. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, children and adolescents should do 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day. You don’t even have to do 60 minutes all at once. The first key guidelines is move more and sit less!

There are many activities you can do to be fit at home. Let’s break it down into the different types of activities you can do.

Recipe for Physical Fitness

  1. Flexibility activities
  2. Aerobic activities
  3. Muscle-building activities
  4. Bone-strengthening activities

 

  1. Flexibility:
    • What are they: These activities help your joints and muscles move easily.
      • Examples: forward bends, toe touches, shoulder rolls, knees to chest, yoga poses. Stretch slowly and smoothly; don’t bounce.
    • How often: Stretch to take a break from sitting. If warming up, spend 2-3 minutes doing flexibility exercises. Hold each stretch for at least 10 seconds and increase as time goes on.
    • How they help: Stretching keeps your muscles loose and relaxed. Being flexible decreases your chance of getting hurt and prevents you from getting sore. Flexibility exercises can help you warm up before more vigorous activities.
  2. Aerobic activities: Most of the 60 or more minutes a day should be either moderate- or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity.
    • What are they: These activities get your heart beating faster!
      • Moderate-intensity aerobic: active recreation such as hiking, skateboarding, rollerblading, cross-country skiing, and bike riding; walking; games that require catching and throwing; and house and yard work such as sweeping or pushing a lawn mower
      • Vigorous-intensity aerobic: running, active sports, vigorous dancing, aerobics, active games that involve running and chasing, and jumping rope.
    • How often: at least 3 days a week
    • How they help: Aerobic activities helps your body use oxygen and helps your heart send blood to the muscles.
  1. Muscle-strengthening activities:
    • What are they: These activities involve having muscles work or hold against a force or some weight.
      • Examples: push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, squats, lifting weights, and working with resistance bands, a good game of tug-of-war, gymnastics, swinging on the monkey bars, and climbing a tree!
    • How often: at least 3 days a week
    • How they help: Having strong muscles makes it easier to do everyday tasks. These activities help your balance, coordination, and posture.
  1. Bone-strengthening:
    • What are they: These activities involve an impact (often with the ground) or tension force.
      • Examples: running, brisk walking, dancing, stair climbing, tennis, basketball, and volleyball are great for your bones, as are hopping, skipping, and jumping
    • Bonus: Many bone-strengthening activities may also help strengthen your muscles and your heart.
    • How often: at least 3 days a week
    • How they help: Make bones grow and get stronger.

 

Being fit helps your body and your mind. Physical activity helps you to be more alert and helps with your moods. Being fit will help you feel better now and in the future. Let’s get moving today!

Today’s 4-H Journal

Yours in Health,