>> OSSC Endorses Positive Body Image Seminar

Parents, coaches and athletes of the Olympium Synchro Swim Club attended special educational workshops on January 20 that emphasized the importance of promoting a positive body image and preventing disordered eating in athletes.

Led by BodySense Outreach Coordinator Heather Harrison, parents and coaches spent 60 minutes hearing about the myths and misinformation surrounding society's ‘ideal' body image, weight loss, and body fat verses performance – topics that are particularly poignant in sports such as figure skating, gymnastics, ballet and synchronized swimming where how an athlete presents themselves carries just as much weight – no pun intended – as does their athletic ability. “Synchronized swimming doesn't cause eating disorders, but many factors in the sport can make its athletes more prone to them” Heather explained as she discussed some of the warning signs that could suggest an athlete is headed for trouble. “Male and female athletes in any sport can be affected by disordered eating, but it is most common in sports that have body weight categories, endurance demands or an aesthetic component (judging).” And because disordered eating can be difficult to detect in a sport environment, ”key influencers such as coaches and parents must work together to create environments that build self-esteem, encourage positive body image and empower the well-being of each athlete.”

Following the adult discussion, Heather conducted a second presentation geared especially for the athletes that discussed the facts about natural body size and shape, how to build a positive approach to food, what makes a healthy body, ways to feel confident when faced with pressure and ways to generate a positive and healthy balance in sport, school and at home. The key message here: image is NOT everything and aesthetics should never take precedence over health or athletic performance.

Probably the most important message Heather left with OSSC is that preventing disordered eating is absolutely essential – this can not be overstated! Together, parents, coaches, administrators, and athletes must address the issue of disordered eating proactively because one thing is certain; if we do not, the road back to health for an athlete who develops an eating disorder will be slow and difficult.

If you are a parent or athlete who missed the BodySense workshop and would like to learn more about the importance of promoting a positive body image, be sure to visit the BodySense website at www.bodysense.ca .