Body Positivity
The cheer and STUNT community is proud of the opportunities that our sport provides for participation at all levels and for all body types, and as an inclusive leader in sports, it is vital for programs and coaches to foster a welcoming and body-positive environment.
Creating body-positive environments is a crucial component in our collective mission of ensuring athletes reap the many rewards that sports have to offer. Additionally, research shows that athletes, particularly those participating in aesthetic sports (e.g., gymnastics, figure skating, cheerleading) that involve judges and form-fitting uniforms for safety, are at risk of negative body image, body dysmorphia and eating disorders.
Below you will find resources to help coaches, athletes, and parents understand these factors and how to avoid perpetrating stereotypes or demands that can reinforce negative body image and its consequences.
Articles and Videos
Coaches:
- Discussing Body Image With Athletes: Empower Them To Be Proud And Confident | PCA Development Zone® (positivecoach.org)
- Sam Peszek on How to Create Positive Body Image for Young Girls | PCA Development Zone® (positivecoach.org)
- A Coach’s Impact On Self-Image In Young Girls | PCA Development Zone® (positivecoach.org)
- What TO Do When Helping Athletes Develop Positive Body Image – TrueSport/USA Cheer
- What NOT to Do When Helping Athletes Develop Positive Body Image – TrueSport/USA Cheer
- Comparison v. Competition: How to Develop Positive Body Image on Teams – TrueSport/USA Cheer
- Coaches: 7 Things to Know About Disordered Eating – TrueSport/USA Cheer
Athletes:
- 8 Simple Ways to Appreciate Your Body Every Day – TrueSport/USA Cheer
- Body Image and Self-Esteem (for Teens) – Nemours KidsHealth
Parents:
Studies:
- Investigation of Eating Disorder Risk and Body Image Dissatisfaction among Female Competitive Cheerleaders (mdpi.com) – 2022
- Eating Disorder Risk and the Role of Clothing in Collegiate Cheerleaders’ Body Images – PMC (nih.gov) – 2012 Torres