Fitness and Body Image for Girls

Unfortunately, mixed messages are even received from respected fitness and health magazines. Flipping through a fitness magazine recently I came across the all too common, yet still disturbing, ad depicting two women in
bikinis with “perfect” bodies.

I immediately thought of the girls in my Girls Inc. Bodies in Motion program who, before joining my program, searched for resources to help them get fit and lead healthier lives. If they turned to this respected fitness magazine, they would have gotten an unattainable idea of what to strive for. This can lead to striving for physical perfection and beauty through unhealthy lifestyle choices— instead of working towards a healthy body and lifestyle.

To support young women in overcoming challenges they face in leading healthy lives, think of the phrase "it takes a village”. A collaborative approach is crucial to support young women in overcoming the pervasive messages of society that have set the “norm”.

At Girls Inc., we believe in providing our girls with a community of support. This approach makes it easier for girls to think about personalized, healthy life options that will allow them to attain their short term goals, and lead long, healthy lives.

We work closely with Kaiser Permanente Hospital. Doctors recommend clients who will most benefit from our services. We review the doctor’s lifestyle recommendations with our participant and her family, then we develop a health and fitness plan that is personalized, manageable, and long-lasting.

In this way, our girls are empowered to begin their personal journey towards a healthier body, lifestyle, and a positive self-image that can withstand negative messages from society.

If you are looking for resources to support you in making healthy lifestyle choices or know a girl who is, I recommend http://www.girlshealth.gov/fitness .

To start a healthy, informed discussion on the effects of objectification of women in the media, and the impact on the self-image of young women, I recommend this article from Science Daily on a recent report released by the American Psychological Association.

Live well,
Rosie Galvez
Girls Inc. Fitness Coordinator