Suzie Trains Maui BLOG

Do not let other’s “shape” your thoughts of how you feel about yourself or your body. I’ve written this article for those who have yet to learn how to love the skin you’re in.

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.

As a fitness expert and lifestyle fitness coach, I often work with individuals who sometimes come to me with a picture of a movie star, or model or someone that has an entirely different genetic body type than what may be realistic. They say, “Suzie I want legs and arms just like that.”

There’s nothing wrong with desiring a shapely or fit body, but the reality of how we are made can often prevent us from being real with who we really are and accepting that genetics, medical conditions and other physiological factors play a role in how our bodies literally take shape.

The key to feeling good about your body is to learn and respect our natural shape. We must get rid negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. We can do this by learning more about the physiological factors that may influence the result of your training efforts and desired outcome.

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.

It’s been studied, that 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.

To read the rest of my article go to ATHLETA Chi: http://www.athleta.net/chi/2010/11/09/a-whole-person/

Suzie Cooney, CPT

Suzie Trains Maui     Follow Suzie on Face Book: http://www.facebook.com/suzietrainsmaui

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