The Relationship Between Female Athletes and Body Image Issues

Building a stronger, healthier physique and watching the results unfold is empowering. Many female athletes experience not only increased strength but also a boost in self-confidence as they progress. Muscle definition improves, clothing fits better, and compliments flow. However, the journey to transformation can bring intense pressure, especially for those aiming to compete, leading to body image struggles.

But why do body image issues emerge when fitness goals are being achieved? “In my experience, many women begin their fitness journey with positive intentions to enhance their physique or build muscle. For some, this evolves into an unhealthy obsession where no body fat percentage is low enough or no amount of lean muscle is sufficient,” says Janel Reeves, MS, RDN, a former NCAA Division I athlete and expert at Top Nutrition Coaching.

“Social media and TV often showcase ‘perfect’ bodybuilding standards, which can be difficult to attain or maintain,” Reeves continues. These idealized images can lead many women to become hyper-aware of their appearance, fixating on perceived imperfections that don’t align with this unattainable standard.

“Some women risk their health by resorting to restrictive diets or extreme training regimens to fix these ‘flaws,’” she adds.

Reeves unpacks the nature of body image issues, why they arise, and how to overcome them when your mirror seems to be playing tricks on you.

What Are Body Image Issues?

How do you feel about your body right now? Even if you're in the best shape of your life, do you experience negative emotions when looking in the mirror? “Body image refers to how someone perceives themselves and how they feel about that perception. A person with poor body image may struggle to see themselves as they truly are and may not feel comfortable in their own skin,” explains Reeves.

For female athletes focused on muscle building, this might manifest as discomfort with muscle mass, fat percentage, body size, shape, weight, or certain "problem" areas. Unfortunately, over time, this can harm emotional well-being and even lead to eating disorders.

The Good News: If you’re struggling with negative thoughts about your body, there are simple strategies you can practice to foster a healthier relationship with yourself.

Body Image Issues Affect All Female Athletes

Body image issues aren't confined to bodybuilders or those focused on packing on lean muscle. “Many female athletes feel pressured to look a certain way to perform at a high level,” Reeves says. This pressure can vary from one athlete to another—some worry about being too muscular, while others feel they're not muscular enough. "Different sports can perpetuate stereotypes about what body type is necessary to succeed. If certain professional athletes embody this stereotype, or if coaches and social media reinforce it, it's easy to internalize the belief that achieving a certain body type is essential."

This can lead to poor body image, decreased self-confidence, heightened stress, and unhealthy behaviors to change one’s body. “Pursuing a perceived ideal body type can come at the expense of an athlete’s strength, performance, and overall health,” Reeves explains.

Simple Ways to Combat Unhealthy Body Image

The same dedication and consistency you apply to building a stronger body should also be applied to cultivating a better relationship with your mind and body. Reeves shares practical advice for navigating this journey:

1. Maintain Your Health: “Support your goals with a balanced approach that includes proper nutrition, rest, and fitness habits that leave you feeling good and capable of performing your best,” advises Reeves.

2. Talk Kindly to Yourself: “Combat body image issues with an internal dialogue that celebrates your body for what it’s doing and what it can do. As cliché as it sounds, changing how you talk to yourself and how you judge your body is key,” says Reeves. Focus on:

   • Achievements like your recent personal records.
   • How much stronger or more resilient you feel after a tough workout.
   • Feeling confident and proud of how far you’ve come in your fitness journey.

   Shifting your focus from purely aesthetic or comparison-driven goals doesn’t mean you’ll abandon muscle-building goals; it simply means you’ll pursue them in a way that feels healthy and balanced for you.

3. Set Healthy Boundaries: “Don’t hesitate to set boundaries that protect your mental health when conversations about appearance arise. It’s OK to walk away or politely steer the conversation elsewhere,” advises Reeves.

Incorporating these habits can help create a more positive mindset, leading to a healthier body image at every stage of your fitness journey.

Seek Professional Help

Knowledge is power. If you’re a female athlete struggling with body image issues, you’re not alone. Finding a safe person to talk to or seeking help from a counselor or medical professional can kickstart the healing process. Start with Reeves' advice, and if you need additional support, reaching out for professional help is the best thing you can do.