Julie, Barbara and Ellen keep it real with fitness facts and Philly tips. | Disclaimer
HEATHER, athlete and personal trainer: Before we begin, let's put a few items in perspective.
The average American woman is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. The average American model is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 117 pounds, which means most fashion models are thinner than 98% of American women.
Four out of five American women say they're dissatisfied with the way they look, and on any given day, almost half of the women in the United States are on a diet.
With that said, I feel for you as a young female. There are many pressures that we as women experience and being the “ideal weight” with the “perfect build” is one of them.
Personally, I am not, nor was I ever, someone who has the perfect body. I am 5 feet 10 inches tall and built like a strong, athletic woman. When I was younger, I too wanted to have a cute, little body that was similar to all of my friends. Genetically however, it was not meant to be. Turns out, my body allowed me to become a very talented athlete. This gift made it possible for me to attend a very fine academic institution, Bucknell University, and compete in three varsity sports. Without my prowess for athletics and physical presence in the playing arena, I would not have been awarded the athletic assistance that helped me afford this caliber of education.
My advice to you is take pride in how you look just as you are. Eat a healthy and balanced array of foods. Exercise regularly, yet not excessively. Get proper rest, and see your physician annually. Surround yourself with others who are proud of themselves as people - not consumed with how they look.
I know it can, at times, be overwhelming with all of the media and social pressures. I look at some female athletes such as Brandi Chastain (US Women’s Soccer player), Serena Williams (professional tennis player), and Picabo Street (US Ski Team) and they are constant reminders that you don't have to be a size 4 to be beautiful and successful.
You are “perfect” the way you are. So, continue being healthy and take pride in your body whatever your size or shape.
Posted March 19, 2003 12:20 AM
My name is Julie and I am a 15-year old girl. I am incredibly active yet dissatisfied with the way I look. I am 5'6 and 160, but if you saw me you wouldn't know because it is pretty much all muscle.I have a very flat stomach but very broad shoulders, muscular arms, and very flat-chested. (36 A) If I gain weight, it goes to my hips and thighs but they too are very muscular. I also have very large calf muscles. How do I flatter this figure with formal or casual clothes? Swimsuit?!?!
Posted by: Julie on February 1, 2004 08:00 PMHey Julie , you dont have to flatter this figure.
I think your beautiful with your athletic body.
I am very into martial arts( boxing, kung fu muay thai) and fitness , and i train really often. So i like women who train too and dont be afraid of getting too big.
My ex girlfriend was very build too , in fact she was nearly bigger than me but for us that was no problem she was very sexy, so dont be shy, show your body to the world.
( sorry for my bad english)