Today, with all of the hype and publicity that the media highlights about the model-like body being the ideal, women have that hardwired into their brain both subconsciously and consciously. Have you ever found yourself thinking “I don’t want to wear a bikini to the pool and let everyone see my body because it doesn’t look just right?” This is just one of many examples of how most women have a tendency of feeling embarrassed to show off their bodies instead of embracing them, mainly because of what the media has instilled in their heads. As the trials are taking place, I have thought a lot about the top athletes getting ready for the Olympics. Here are my thoughts: These athletes are beyond fit, have killer bodies and have great health. This got me thinking that, if anything, they should be the ones that the media highlights and we strive to be like.
Let’s Talk Health!
To be an Olympic athlete, you have to put your health and body first. These athletes are exercising on a daily basis, eating extremely healthy diets and as a result, they are only bettering their health while doing something that they love. Their lifestyle promotes maintenance of body weight, increased aerobic capacity, increased muscular capacity, improved brain function and much more. On the other hand, yes, I am sure that models do have to exercise to keep their thin figures; however, they by no means, have good health on the level of Olympic athletes. When you look at photos of models, you do not see toned up arms and legs with definition. I see pin straight limbs. To be honest, they look so fragile that if their biggest fan were to run up to give them a hug, their bones would probably snap in half. Plus, with their excessive diets, come time for their shows, they are only being deleterious to their health. Those diets are not beneficial to their health at all. If you ask me, there is really no comparison when you think about the extent of health between an Olympian and a model.
Ah Fame, you ask?
Yes, models are famous, being seen everywhere from magazines to the internet. I understand the excitement of fame, but it really isn’t everything. But, if we were to focus on the appeal of it, athletes actually get that too. Take the swimmer, Natalie Coughlin, her Olympic debut brought her athletic fame plus medals. She is endorsed by various companies and has become a household name when it comes to athletics. This also leads to these athletes making great money. Once again, Olympians triumph over models.
Inspiration anyone?
Olympians are prime examples of a hard work ethic, passion, dedication, competitive fire and motivation, all of which are key traits for anyone to have in this day and age. They serve as inspirations to those who are looking to become better athletes, those who want to simply start being athletic and those who want to better their health and lifestyles. Models don’t really do anything for us. They just look pretty and wear clothes. That’s it. They are not helping us as people whatsoever. If anything, they hurt us. They make us think that that is what we have to look like in order to be accepted, which is unrealistic and ridiculous. Olympics > Models. Point in case.
So, let’s do a quick review here:
Model: Fame + good body + appealing + money + so, so health= Mehhhhhhhh
Olympian: Fame + bangin bod + moola + amazing health + good looks + medals + inspiration= FANTASTIC!
In conclusion, who would you choose?