I know a thing or two about worrying about how I look in clothes, or naked or at the beach or while working out. I’ve only been battling it for 53 years now. But, body image concerns aren’t just a women’s issue. Studies show that up to 43% of men are dissatisfied with their bodies, yet these struggles often go unspoken. From unrealistic superhero physiques to social media’s “ideal male body,” men feel the unrealistic pressure to achieve specific physical standards too. And it’s something we don’t talk a lot about. Well, not today Satan, let’s get into it!
Unlike women’s body image issues, which society increasingly acknowledges and discusses, men’s struggles remain tucked away. Many men feel shame about having these kinds of thoughts and concerns, viewing them as unmanly or believing they should “just deal with it” or “man up.”
Here are just some of the common body image challenges men face include:
- Pressure to be muscular while staying lean
- Comparing themselves to filtered social media images
- Feeling too small, too big, or not athletic enough
- Struggling with age-related body changes
- Fear of judgment at the gym such as not strong enough, not fast enough, too fat, too thin
DSC is a safety zone, where we work hard to bring these types of issues out of the shadows and work to help. Here are three of our favorite and most effective ways to help.
1. Expert Coaching in a Judgment-Free Zone
Yes, I know. This is a catch phrase for another popular big box gym, however, this is one of our core values at DSC. Our coaches work hard every day to create a safe space where an open discussion about your body and fitness goals are welcome. We focus on function over appearance, celebrating what your body can do rather than how it looks. Every workout is modified to meet you where you are, without comparison to others. We love to remind our members (and ourselves) that modifications are not “less than”, they are “instead of”.
2. Community-Based Support
Working out in a group builds camaraderie and normalizes different body types and fitness levels. You’ll train alongside others who share similar challenges and goals, creating a supportive environment where everyone belongs. DSC is truly the only place where you can find so many different body types, different levels of fitness, different places in the fitness journey, all do the same workout to their own capability and then share a high five afterward!
3. Progress Through Performance
We are not trying to say that aesthetic goals are not good, goals are great. But our favorite measurement of success is through performance improvements. Whether it’s increased strength, better mobility, or enhanced endurance, these achievements build confidence that extends beyond physical appearance.
Remember: Your worth isn’t measured by your waistline or bicep size. At DSC, we’re committed to helping you build not just a stronger body, but a healthier relationship with it.