Body Image Strongly Tied to Overall Life Satisfaction

Wow! Interesting article. Thanks for posting, Nathalie. I do not doubt the results given the large sample size. And it is what I (and perhaps most of us) have observed. But it is a sad statement :( that individuals base soooo much of their life happiness and even behavioural characteristics (level of openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, etc.) on body image! I feel Cathe, Cathletes and many fitness professionals and healthy individuals are working to have a HEALTHY BODY (rather than body weight) be the factor which is related to life satisfaction. We have our work cut out for us!
 
Jane Power-Grimm said:
Thanks for posting, Nathalie. I do not doubt the results given the large sample size. And it is what I (and perhaps most of us) have observed. But it is a sad statement :( that individuals base soooo much of their life happiness and even behavioural characteristics (level of openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, etc.) on body image!
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Yes @Jane Power-Grimm Sad truth!
Level of openness to some training protocols;)

Here below is another Ball- rolling- eyes article::rolleyes::rolleyes:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/11/s...e-body-image-with-quest-for-success.html?_r=1
 
This article is also a great discussion starter! :cool: Thanks.

IMO...It's time to stop calling ourselves 'girls' and time to stop trying to look like one. Kudos to Bouchard who wants strength for its own purposes and not worrying about others' perceptions of what she should look like.

It's time to embrace the wonderful diversity women present. :)
 
I'm 42 and just recently starting loving myself for what I can do (cardio & weight wise) instead of the scale/mirror. I grew up with a mother who only seemed to give me compliments when I was skinny ( and sick being bulimic). No matter how good I did in all the different sports I played, it was only when she thought I looked good, I got the praise. They often (mother & brother) teased me about "thunder thighs" because I had muscular legs not long, skinny legs like my brother (who never played any sport). And to this day, she still never tells me I look good unless I've lost weight due to an illness. If it wasn't for my husband, I would be back on the eating disorder train again. He constantly tells me how good I look and how much he loves me for me, who care what anyone else thinks about you, his opinion is the only one that matter. So, with Cathe's help, I feel I've come a long way in my physical and mental health (along with fellow Cathletes here) and feel better about myself. Thanks for the article and making me appreciate me for me.
 
Wish I could have liked your message, Firemedic, 5 times over! Good for you!!!!:) Sounds like you HAVE come a long way physically and mentally. You can be very proud of yourself for overcoming some big obstacles, getting positive support, focusing on the great things your body can do in terms of cardio and weights and making life changing gains toward true health and wellness! Your journey is an inspiration - reminds me (and I'm sure many other Cathletes) that it's what we DO not what we look like that will determine our health outcomes. Congrats on taking charge of your own health and doing what is best for your own body to help ensure a longer, healthier and happier life.
 
firemedic said:
So, with Cathe's help, I feel I've come a long way in my physical and mental health (along with fellow Cathletes here) and feel better about myself. Thanks for the article and making me appreciate me for me.
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Yep, I am one of those fellows you refered to here. Body image was my issue and I am so happy it is all buried now!
Kim you have taken words out of my mouth.

I made my weight loss and fat loss journey enjoyable joining Cathe's fun program. While on my journey I learnt what body adaptation
was about:oops::rolleyes: All the time I could hear cathe's sentence "You look good", I know you are tired but jump higher... This sound cliche but
it made a difference to me cause I was not promised it was going to be easy, Neither was I promised quick fix! --- Instead I heard "with time it was going to get slightly easy" Then some magic happen, enough to make me feel good;) Yes I too came a long way;);)

I want anyone out there to know I love my trainer and I am happy to be part of this bunch of people called Cathletes;);)

Kim, I hope your mother know how you felt when you were making yourself Sick to stay slim, to feel LOVED and pretty:rolleyes::rolleyes:.
I was envious of those skinnies without actually knowing what was going on. I was on the other side overeating to forget!
It made me feel horrible about myself and overeating did not help! Yes all those were horrible time all put behind now!

Glad the article made you feel good, hope it makes somebody else feel good too:)

Take care Kim
 
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nckfitheart2009 said:
Hi Everyone,

I came across this article and I needed to share!

What are your thoughts on this matter since body image --- How we feel about ourselves is important?

http://psychcentral.com/news/2016/0...tied-to-overall-life-satisfaction/103115.html

Hope we can have a healthy discussion here.

Looking forward to reading from you all;);):)
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As much as I enjoy working out, love seeing changes in my fitness level, and adore seeing body changes from that hard work, I always remember that this body I'm in will eventually turn to dust. It is impermanent. I like being fit and healthy, but I base my self-worth not on what my body looks like, but on higher values that transcend looks or fitness levels. I don't want to go to my grave and all people can say, "Well, she sure stayed thin through lots of dieting and exercise." When I pass away, I want people to say, "Wow, she really loved people, did so much for others, transformed the world, and taught us whatever wisdom she gained." Sorry if this sounds preachy, as I don't mean it like that. I am far from being the ideal woman that I want to be in spirit, and in the level of love and concern I have for others.

I think almost all people - myself included - want to look and feel fit, trim, and healthy. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But when I look at the woman in the mirror, I'm no longer looking at it and gauging my actual worth on what the image looks like. I work out. I do my best. I try to be excellent - not perfect - in all that I do. I usually eat healthy. ;) I don't smoke, and rarely drink alcohol. I do what I can to care for this earthly body and treat it well, but I know no matter what, it will eventually die. I believe that generally, as a society, we have gotten to a point where we place far more emphasis on looks than we do on building up one's character, love for others, how we meet the needs of others who are less fortunate, and do things with excellence. I'm personally uncomfortable with that cultural ideal at this point in my journey. That's just my opinion, and I apologize if it sounds judgmental or too moralistic.

I sincerely hope that each woman here knows that they are beautiful, wonderful, and more than good enough right here and now. :)
 
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