Same person. Same day. A body in motion.
Your weight and appearance do not define you. How you look is not the most interesting thing about you.
For almost all athletes, at some point in the athletic career, body image is a struggle. When it comes to appearance-related content on social media, this constant comparison to unrealistic images of people presenting the best version of themselves can negatively impact your relationship with your body. Unrealistic expectations of how your body should look may turn into unhealthy eating and exercise behaviors and disordered eating.
Although athletes have the same risk factors for body image issues as non-athletes, athletes are constantly conflicted with two body images - one in sport and one outside of sport. The body that is fit for performance may not meet society's "thin" ideal.
For athletes, there are two wardrobes. Clothes that are designed for functionality and performanace and clothes for outside of sport - work, leisure, formal, etc. Depending on which body you are dressing (sport vs. daily life), if you struggle with poor body image, there's a good chance that you feel there is one right way to look in those clothes. This may lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth. As a result of not matching the "ideal" image, many athletes take drastic measures to "fix" features that fall short of the accepted standard.
How many times has your day been ruined after trying on clothes in your closest that didn't fit you? How do you feel when you receive clothing (as a present) from a friend, partner or loved one but need to return for a bigger size?
If you can relate, I want to remind/tell you that YOU wear your clothes. Do not let your clothes dictate how you feel about yourself. You do not have to conform to a certain body type. You do not have to start "fixing" your body on January 1st. Bodies naturally fluctuate throughout life.
From now until the end of the year, I encourage you to clean out your closest of clothes that no longer serve you well. Next, buy clothes that fit your body and make you feel good. And even if you are on a path of improved health, you still deserve to feel confident at your current size, shape or weight.
Stop clinging on to a past version of yourself. Don't punish yourself by withholding a new wardrobe with hopes of meeting a specific clothing size.
When you let go of what was, you can make space for what can be.
You deserve to be comfortable and confident in your clothes.
Be proud of your every-day-body and your incredible body in motion.