Who has never dreamed of resembling the aesthetic canons in the hope of regaining self-confidence? However, playing sports can quickly turn into an excessive and unattainable quest for perfect bodybuilding. Social networks favoring the exposure of bodies without any imperfection.
Anxiety, depression, body image disorder… The consequences can become devastating when the cult of thinness takes precedence over well-being. In addition, practicing physical activity should not be associated with the desire to lose weight, but should help to heal the body and mind. Far from the pressure of weight rooms, new ways of doing sports are appearing with Yoga, Pilate or Stretching. Well-being, letting go, self-acceptance: these disciplines provide other sensations, allow introspection, facilitate self-knowledge and self-esteem. Here, the objective is to combine sport with well-being to strengthen self-esteem!
Focus on your feelings
Forget your image and your performance to put aside your complexes. When you practice a sporting activity, focus on your bodily sensations. L’indoor cycling can contribute and help achieve this goal. It’s no longer just about pedaling a bike: this discipline plunges you into total darkness to the rhythm of the music. For some, the absence of light gives way to complete disinhibition. They manage to forget the severe look they have on their own body or the pressure of that of the other.
If you practice Yoga or Pilates collectively, feel free to close your eyes to let yourself be carried away by the rhythm and energy of the group. If you manage to get out of control of hyper performance, your mind will respond to your body and your muscles.
Do not look for performance
Be careful, however, not to set yourself goals that are too difficult to achieve! Be kind to yourself and adapt your pace to your level to avoid injuries. Do not hesitate to find out beforehand about the level of the group you are joining. With indoor cycling, in the dark, for example, it is easy to let yourself be carried away by the sound of the sports coach’s voice and no longer listen to your body or its limits. Don’t go on a frantic race if you’re not a yellow jersey! If you feel your thoughts wandering, try to refocus on yourself and bring your attention back to your feelings and movements.
Perceive your body in a positive way
Focus on your progress, not on your faults, your difficulties or your failures. With sport, your body becomes firmer, stronger and this helps to soften your gaze on it. You thus become more open to the remarks of others, you manage stress better and your feeling of personal effectiveness is strengthened. Focus more on what sport can bring you: good mood, increased energy, reduced stress…
But what if you hate sports or lack time? Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, standing on the subway or even going to the water dispenser can help improve your body image. Every little action counts!
Read also:
- Why is walking really good for your health?
- And if to be in a good mood, we started by better behavior?
- Impossible, really? Tips for overcoming beliefs and moving forward