Last summer, I returned from an 800km backpacking trip. It was my longest solo trip to date. After, I felt strong. capable and independent. But those feelings of self-sufficiency and accomplishment became background noise as I stared at myself in the mirror, in awe of what 23 days of intense physical output had done to my body.
My legs were toned, my abs were defined, and I was as lean as I'd ever been. Yet even as I was (finally) proud of my appearance, I berated myself, thinking: Why do you care? You were strong before this trip; why does this matter so much? I knew, deep down, that my actual accomplishments were more important than how I looked but I was unable to separate the two.
Unfortunately, I'm not alone in my subconscious tendency to favour style over substance. For instance, the top-valued trait Americans look for in women is physical attractiveness, according to a 2017 report from the Pew Research Centre. (Pretty sure SA would be the same.) Toward the very bottom of the responses? Independence and strength.
Compare that with the top-valued trait for men, which was honesty/ morality. And in the six years since this study, it seems like the needle has hardly moved. In fact, if the popularity of image-altering apps like Face tune (reportedly downloaded over 30 million times in 2021) and endless filters is any indication, this gendered data is as relevant as ever - perhaps even more so.
This story is from the March - April 2023 edition of Women's Health South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March - April 2023 edition of Women's Health South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Irreconcilable Differences?
You’re one-upping your partner on all health fronts and now your relationship has more tension than your new resistance bands. Here’s how to get over the hurdle of mismatched goals.
Hot And Bothered
Inflammation is all the rage in health conversations right now and research is establishing it as a major player in all sorts of issues you don't want to deal with. But! You can safeguard yourself from the smokin' internal inferno with these smart strategies.
Self-esteem under the microscope
The term brings to mind positive-thinking memes with sunset backdrops and swirly lettering. But could I you sum up self-esteem when asked as part of a pub quiz? Didn't think so. And there's more at stake here than winning the points.
the reset
IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER
Mind Over Muscle
Could you level up your strength training just by putting your mind to it?
ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE
Olympian. All-African Games winner. African champion. Record-breaker. Javelin athlete Jo-Ané van Dyk talks mental fortitude and what it takes to live up to your own hype. If there's one thing she can do, it's to throw down. And it's all about to reach peak levels.
Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free
The choice can be liberating, yet stigmas persist. Here, how to cut through the noise with clarity and confidence to make the decision that's right for *you.*
FUEL YOUR SKIN
Inside your body, there's a crew of unsung protein heroes that scientists believe are the key to a healthy, glowing complexion. Heads-up: your routine is about to change for the better.
How To Be Decisive
You could use a Magic 8 ball to help you make a choice. Or, while you're waiting to 'ask again later', let our experts explain the best ways to get unstuck.
Build A Strong Base
You heard it here: the pelvic floor is the forgotten core - and you're selling yourself short by waiting for a specific life stage to train it. Your four-move workout is here.
