Like the Body You’re In

Suzie Cooney, CPT

When you look in the mirror what do you see?  Remember the mirrors at the fun house when you were a kid?  You laughed and giggled when you saw your body as short or wide and a little distorted.  But as we come up in age sometimes in real life we may feel awkward or uncomfortable in our bodies. The key to feeling good about your body is to learn and respect our natural shape and get rid of those negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.

Body Image is:

• How you see or picture yourself.
• How you feel others perceive you.
• What you believe about your physical appearance.
• How you feel about your body.
• How you feel in your body.

People with negative body images have a greater likelihood of developing an eating disorder and are more likely to suffer from feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem and obsessions with weight loss.

 I often come across training clients who have a vision of how they want to see themselves vs. who they really are and how their bodies are made. Genetics, medical conditions and other physiological factors play a role in how our bodies take shape. 

One list cannot automatically tell you how to turn negative body thoughts into positive body images, but a few tips can help you think about new ways of looking more healthily and happily at yourself and your body.

 Tip # 1  Appreciate all that your body can do. Every day your body carries you closer to your dreams. Celebrate all of the things your body does for you: running, dancing, breathing, climbing, laughing, dreaming, etc.

Tip # 2 Keep a top-ten list of things you like about yourself that aren’t related to how much you weigh or what you look like. Read your list often. Add to it as you become aware of more things to like about yourself.

Tip # 3 Remind yourself that true beauty is not simply skin-deep. When you feel good about yourself and who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of confidence, self-acceptance and openness that makes you beautiful regardless of whether or not you physically look like a supermodel. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of your body.

 No one is a perfect “10” but you can see yourself as a whole person. When you look in the mirror next time, see yourself as you want others to see you; as a whole person.

“Fit Doesn’t Mean Perfect”

If I can help you or someone you know who is longing to be healthy and fit, please call me : 808-283-2121    I can help!

Suzie Cooney, CPT

http://www.suzietrainsmaui.com  http://www.suziemodelsmaui.com http://www.standuppaddlingfitness.com

Having a Healthy Body Image  

The media, our families, our friends’ can sometimes bombard us with unhealthy messages that can “shape” our thoughts of how we feel about ourselves when we look in the mirror.  The diet and cosmetic industries assure us that if we have size 2 waists, our lives will be more fulfilling and everything will be wonderful! 

How ridiculous to think that skinnier people are more happy.  This is so off the mark! Would you agree?

We all want to feel and look our best. What you see on the outside in not always true on the inside.  A healthy body is not always linked to how we look. Thank goodness we come in all shapes and sizes, otherwise, it would be so boring. 

Body image can be described as:

       How you see or picture yourself

            How you feel others perceive you

                        What you believe about your body

                                    How you feel inside your body

A person with a positive body image has a real perception of their shape, size and is okay and comfortable with themselves.  Now, a person with a negative body image, this person experiences a distorted view of their body.  They are always comparing themselves to others and feel shame and maybe anxiety. In addition, these feelings can lead to emotional issues, such as extreme obsessive behaviors, low self-esteem, depression, and other eating disorders.

Here are a few tips to learn to love what you see in the mirror and help change your own perception of your body:

1. Take a deep breath, look in the mirror and smile really big.  Sounds silly, but that’s my point. I want to you loosen up and not be so serious.  Surely you can find something you like about yourself. 
2. Don’t hide or walk away from mirrors in your home.  Walk by and say, “hey I look good!”  Remind yourself that true beauty is not skin deep.  Walk in confidence and self-acceptance.
3. Wear what makes you feel good!  Don’t hide behind a dress that’s 4 sizes too big, or surf shorts that are too big. But, wear something that you’ve been complimented in before. I love that feeling, especially if I feel a little on the awkward side that day. 
4. Exercise because it makes you feel good, not because you just ate huge Big Mac and you feel guilty!  Just don’t’ eat the Big Mac next time.
5. Be with people, family, or friends that make you feel good just the way you are. Shift away from people who take your energy or who are critical. They are than likely not happy with themselves either.  How draining!

We are who we are.  Genetics, change of life, our natural aging process should be embraced in our society.  I do believe that some parts of the media get it, but surely not enough! 

Call me, and I’ll remind you just how beautiful you are!

Warm aloha,

Suzie Cooney, Suzie Trains Maui