Fun and Fitness: The importance of positive self-image
Do you ever sit around or look in
the mirror thinking how great it
would be to look like one of your
favourite actors, models, or even
sports superstars? Some women
may have the desire to look like
Megan Fox, or to have a physique
like Rihanna. For guys, it could be
the desire to resemble Ryan
Reynolds who makes millions
thanks to his looks and chiseled
physique. But let's face it, the vast
majority of us weren't designed to
appear this way and regardless of
how much we try or how much
money we invest, it's just not going
to happen.
All of us can't be thin or muscular, but every single one of us can be healthy. By focusing on what you're eating and how much you're exercising, you'll be able to achieve optimum health and fitness, even though you may not achieve society's ideal of thin and muscular. Accepting yourself does not mean that you're hopeless and that it's okay to do nothing, it means that you feel good, care about yourself and want to be the best you can be, regardless of your genetics and regardless of society's standards.
To achieve this level of optimum wellness, you must have a positive self-image. This means that your feelings about your body are not influenced by events in your daily life. For many people, life's problems are projected onto their body. "If only I were thinner or more muscular, I would have made the team/gotten the job/been chosen... If only I were thinner or more muscular, I could meet more people/find the right person/be happy." This self-defeating habit is reinforced by the images we see in advertising; your body becomes an easy target for everything wrong in your life.
When you have a positive self image, you value and respect your body; you are also more likely to feel good about living a healthy lifestyle. No matter how much genetics predetermines how you store and lose fat, the body you've been given will still respond positively to being appreciated and treated well. Focusing on fun physical activity and eating healthy foods will help you feel good, whatever your size. Developing a healthy, positive image of yourself is the first critical factor in your fitness success. Having a strong sense of self-worth provides the basis for making rational decisions about your health.
luck, stay positive and enjoy all the wonderful benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle!
All of us can't be thin or muscular, but every single one of us can be healthy. By focusing on what you're eating and how much you're exercising, you'll be able to achieve optimum health and fitness, even though you may not achieve society's ideal of thin and muscular. Accepting yourself does not mean that you're hopeless and that it's okay to do nothing, it means that you feel good, care about yourself and want to be the best you can be, regardless of your genetics and regardless of society's standards.
To achieve this level of optimum wellness, you must have a positive self-image. This means that your feelings about your body are not influenced by events in your daily life. For many people, life's problems are projected onto their body. "If only I were thinner or more muscular, I would have made the team/gotten the job/been chosen... If only I were thinner or more muscular, I could meet more people/find the right person/be happy." This self-defeating habit is reinforced by the images we see in advertising; your body becomes an easy target for everything wrong in your life.
When you have a positive self image, you value and respect your body; you are also more likely to feel good about living a healthy lifestyle. No matter how much genetics predetermines how you store and lose fat, the body you've been given will still respond positively to being appreciated and treated well. Focusing on fun physical activity and eating healthy foods will help you feel good, whatever your size. Developing a healthy, positive image of yourself is the first critical factor in your fitness success. Having a strong sense of self-worth provides the basis for making rational decisions about your health.
luck, stay positive and enjoy all the wonderful benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle!
