Americans often hold themselves to impossible standards. Everyone wants to look perfect just like the pictures they see in magazines. But, it can be impossible to look like those photoshopped models and celebrities! So, it is time to identify the 14 biggest body image insecurities that Americans have and then try to forget about them. You are perfect exactly as you are and you need to remind yourself of that every, single day!
Note: The content of this article does not reflect the Writer's personal beliefs.
Everyone is insecure
We’re all a little insecure about our bodies, but we believe we’re alone in such emotions. However, a recent survey has concluded about half or more of the population feels insecure about their appearance or physique.
In a way, almost everyone is struggling with body dysmorphia. While most can curb their insecurities by going to the gym, the feeling never disappears, so a surprising portion of the population often feels underappreciated.
Targeted fat loss
Although insecurities are catered around general physique, most Americans are interested in targeted fat loss. Surveys about people’s areas of interest in online searching have revealed most are worried about slimming a specific body part.
Most of us will assume this means people are insecure about individual appearance. While this is partly true, most of the population struggles with the same insecurity, suggesting that public-generated perceptions may drive them.
Exterior beauty
The increasing obsession with losing weight and constant worries about personal appearances suggest most of the American population is prioritizing exterior beauty and similar perceptions over mental and physical health.
This suggests most of the population believes beauty should be held to a specific standard or is led to think so. Obsessions with exterior beauty in fashion and impressionable industries can also affect the population’s perception.
A six-pack obsession
The biggest aspiration among many American weight loss enthusiasts is transforming a loose belly into a six-pack. Lots of the population is concerned about losing excess belly fat and is working toward such a goal.
While it’s encouraging to see people work toward a healthier lifestyle, their attempts only promote a long-held obsession with six packs. Six-packs are among the most intense training aspirations and may contribute to more significant insecurities.
Staying toned
A protruding belly isn’t the only concern in America; countless Americans are concerned about toning their faces and arms. Most exercise aspirations aim toward a slim and toned physique.
Naturally, this only strengthens the belief that more and more people are roped into taking unrealistic standards and inculcating them into their lifestyle. It’s possible varying fashion trends are worsening such standards.
Top exercise aspirations
While everyone deals with individual challenges, most of the American population is aiming toward a similar goal. Surveys have revealed most Americans spend their time at the gym working to gain abs and exercising their chest.
Other exercise aspirations include triceps, biceps, and arms exercises. Some people are also obsessed with toning the shoulders and back, so they work toward core exercises.
Keeping it real
Despite setting easy aspirations, most people need help to achieve their goals. One of the most common reasons for this is setting unrealistic expectations. While setting goals is essential, it’s equally important to recognize expectations.
Beginners and gym first-timers will have far more successful training if they set realistic goals and are honest with themselves. Placing your trust in high-end expectations is equivalent to setting yourself up for failure.
Curbing struggles
One of the most common struggles while working out is losing interest. This is incredibly common, but it’s one of the easiest challenges to overcome if you know what to do. The best way to curb struggles is to seek inspiration consistently.
You don’t have to stick to your workout routine if it feels tedious or unsuccessful. You can seek inspiration from other workout routines and work toward retaining interest and motivation for personal gains.
Staying motivated
Sticking to a strict weight loss regimen comes with a few challenges. The biggest is staying motivated and committed to your workout routine. Most people are tempted to drop their routines because they feel underappreciated.
This is why it’s best to compliment your achievements and keep track of your progress. You’ll feel motivated if you’re confident with the lifestyle changes, so try to encourage yourself.
Changing it up
People who go to the gym to lose weight typically stick to a single routine because they work toward a specific goal. This limits growth and fosters boredom and frustration, affecting the overall outcome.
Switching your workout routine is best, even if it doesn’t focus on your weight loss aspiration. You can do back exercises when your focus is belly fat or do cardio when your focus is thighs; the variation keeps you sane.
Staying committed
Despite everything, most people struggle to commit to their workout routine. While countless factors are at play, it’s essential to realize that your commitment to the regimen is mainly affected by your perception.
You can’t magically solve the lack of commitment but must shoulder the responsibility. Communicate with your trainer, share your concerns, and do everything possible to stick to your goals.
We’re not alone
We often think our insecurities and body image issues are battles we face alone, but this perception is far from reality. While body issues manifest on a personal level, they often stem from a wide range of reasons, making them a common struggle for many.
Body image concerns and insecurities are not unique to the U.S.; they also affect people globally. This realization encourages us to speak out about body image issues, reminding us that despite their nature, we are not alone in our experiences.
Setting Outrageous Goals
A major problem that many people face is setting lofty exercise and diet goals that they can never really obtain. Many Americans make resolutions to exercise every single day, with no days off. Or they decide to train for a marathon when they have never run more than one mile in their life.
While challenging goals can be good, impossible goals will set you up to fail. It is important to think about your personal fitness and set reasonable goals. You will feel a lot better when you can achieve those smaller, but still beneficial, goals!
Exercising Together
Lots of people feel self-conscious when they are at the gym or exercising outside where everyone can see them. When you are first getting started on a workout routine, it can be intimidating to think that people are watching you struggle. Everyone feels this way!
However, research has shown that people who work out in groups or with friends actually push themselves harder and have better results. Peer pressure can be good when it comes to exercise! Plus, most people who see you exercising are likely thinking "Wow! They are doing such a great job!".
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This article was inspired by Lift Vault and was first published at Spatula Desserts.
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