Poor body image and its consequences can be detrimental to one’s mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders, and even suicidal thoughts and behavior. With the unrealistic beauty standards portrayed in the media, a large percentage of people are unhappy with their bodies. While some individuals may consider changing their physical appearance — losing weight or undergoing plastic surgery — body satisfaction is all in the mind.
Recent studies conducted by the University of British Columbia revealed that exercising for as little as 30 minutes a day could improve your body image, even if you don’t lose weight or gain muscle. Researchers found that a single 30-minute exercise session could make women feel better about themselves immediately, resulting in a shift in self-image.
Boosting Body Image with Exercise
Breaking the cycle of negative self-image can be achieved with regular physical exercise. The improved internal dialogue that women experienced post-exercise led to positive thoughts and feelings about their bodies that gradually replaced negative ones. Exercise provides numerous benefits beyond weight loss, including better sleep, improved overall health, and enhanced self-image.
By changing your perspective on exercise, you can reshape your body image. People often focus on losing weight as their sole exercise goal, but incorporating other objectives can help change the narrative and create a more empowering experience.
Exercise Goals to Improve Self-Image
Here are some other goals centered around enhancing your well-being that you can incorporate into your exercise routine:
- Feel more energetic: Exercise to boost your energy levels in the morning or to help prevent an afternoon slump. Physical activity has been proven to combat fatigue and enhance energy overall.
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Keep up with loved ones: By building your strength and stamina, you’ll be able to enjoy more activities with your children or grandchildren, like walking and outdoor adventures, without getting tired easily.
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Achieve physical milestones: Set goals such as running a mile, doing a push-up, or lifting heavy weights. By accomplishing these aims, you’ll build your confidence and feel a sense of achievement.
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Prevent diseases: Regular exercise is key to warding off a host of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, and diabetes. Keep this in mind to help motivate your workouts.
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Feel good about yourself when you look in the mirror: Exercise to improve your self-esteem and mental state, beyond focusing solely on physical appearance and the numbers on the scale.
Incorporating these goals to reshape your body image through exercise reminds us that the real changes we create are from within, ultimately resulting in better mental well-being and self-confidence.
