Your body is not an object

 

As an athlete, you may not realize how much your thoughts influence your actions. 

How you think about your body matters.

As I begin a new style of training for my upcoming events, I am focused on two things from my body - strength and health. But well before I decided to take on the new challenge of XTRI (think Ironman distance but more extreme weather conditions, elevation and terrain), I've always focused on developing a strong body in motion.

In our body image and appearance obsessed culture that has encouraged us to place too much importance on how we look, I want to make it clear that a 'strong' body is NOT a look. Strength is something you feel. It's an action. It's not a look, a size, shape or number. The reason for this is because your body is functional....it's not an object. 

When you think about or see your body and your mind immediately focuses on your flaws, what you wish looked differently or what you feel you need to fix, you are objectifying yourself. You are looking at your body as an object that you need to shape, tone, smooth out or fix. The next time you find yourself body-bashing, swap out the word "smaller/leaner/skinnier/defined" with "stronger." And remember, strength is not a look. Instead of trying to achieve a 'smaller' body (or body part), replace it with working toward a 'stronger' body or body part. Immediately, you should notice a difference in how you think and feel about your body, food and exercise.

Suddenly, your view towards your body should start turning more positive because you are seeing your body as something functional, and not as an object. A strong body needs nourishment, fuel, hydration, sleep, recovery and self-care.
A strong body is healthy. 

A strong body is resilient.
And strong, healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes.

Treat your body with respect and be proud of your strong body in motion.