Exercise promotes better self image
After the New Year’s holiday, many Americans go to fitness clubs and gyms, clad in new exercise clothes and wearing their resolutions on their sleeves. Now, likely many of those picture-perfect resolutions have been broken, still lingering in the backs of their minds. February is smack dab in the middle of those faded resolutions and new beach-body dream goals for Spring Break. Why, though, does our nation’s exercise come in such defined cycles of obsession?
It all comes down to one’s body image. According to Kinesiology instructor Mindy Mayol, body image refers to how you see yourself and how you feel in your body.
“Having a healthy body image means you feel good in your own skin, despite any flaws,” Mayol said.
Mayol said that the media, while a good tool for education about positive body image in some cases, can spin and distort the idea of a perfect body.
“We are so connected. We can get all sorts of different mediums of media all over. It seems to be saying, ‘Well if you’re not looking like this, then you may have something wrong with you,’” Mayol said.
The media recently brought body image to the public spotlight. It caused much controversy among many individuals who believe the fashion world’s pressure to be thin is overwhelming and unhealthy.
According to the January 2012 issue of PLUS Model magazine, a photo editorial reported that a size six model is considered plus size. It also said that most runway models have a Body Mass Index that matches anorexia criteria.
Mayol said that these statistics are alarming because they send a threatening message of sacrifice: “Do what it takes, even if it is unhealthy, to look like this.”
Mayol added that such media pressure can cause individuals to concentrate on their flaws, which often stems from poor self-esteem and body image.
“We, as humans, are our own worst critics,” Mayol said. “We see things on our self or about our self that most people may not even see or notice.”
Often times, students in wellness classes approach her with what she describes as “unrealistic expectations” for changing their physical bodies through exercise.
Regular exercise comes with a host of health benefits. It even can contribute to a healthy body image. Mayol recommends that individuals set realistic and short-term goals in order to achieve more challenging long-term goals.
Although different goals dictate different modes, frequencies and duration of exercise, Mayol said that the general guideline is 30 to 60 minutes of moderate cardiovascular exercise for most days of the week. Exercisers should aim to incorporate cardio, strength training and flexibility to reap the most health benefits.
Mayol cautioned that exercise should not become a destructive obsession that takes over one’s life or is seen as punishment for poor eating behaviors. Excessive exercise is different, dangerous and often associated with eating disorders.
For those students who wish to maintain a healthy image by exercising, the University of Indianapolis has many options. One of these is free monthly Zumba classes sponsored through Campus Program Board.
“No one is afraid to come to Zumba because of what they look like or their athletic ability,” CPB President Samantha Frye said.
Zumba classes are held on campus once a month at 7 p.m. in UIndy Hall C. Students who are interested in the classes can refer to the online MyUIndy calendar or the flyers around campus.
“I love going to the Zumba classes,” sophomore biology major Amber Lindahl said. “It’s a fun way to be healthy and stay in shape.”
