Every BODY is unique in it’s shape. Every BODY is special in it’s ability. Every BODY is capable. Every BODY is worthy of self-love. It is a hard fight to combat social media perceptions, family expectations, and friend opinions. In this episode of IGNITE, we will discuss ways to celebrate every BODY on your team and empower every girls’ self-image.
During warm-ups, notice and acknowledge WHAT our bodies can do and WHY it is important to do that exercise for our body. It is important to also notice and acknowledge that ALL body types can do hard things and be strong. A warm-up session could sound like this: “Suzie can bring her high knees to her waist and Danica brings her high knees halfway. They are both strengthening their core! Tracy has high squats and Josie has low squats. They are both strengthening their glutes! It is really cool to see that ALL of our body styles and shapes can do hard things and be strong!” Every BODY is capable and strong. To avoid competition and comparisons based on what we hear from our own self-talk and what we have been conditioned to believe, every BODY needs to be acknowledged for what it is capable of doing. Sprinkle these acknowledgements during every warm-up time. It is the perfect opportunity to lead the team in believing in themselves and every BODY!
During workout/laps, partner the girls based on their motivation level and lap goal for that practice. This will provide an opportunity for them to encourage each other, because together they will complete their goal. This shows that every BODY can move forward in any way to complete the same goal. This also takes away the labels of “walker, jogger, runner” that can be defeating for some or hinder growth in others. Keep it focused on every BODY moving forward and doing more than what they had done before practice had begun. Give individual shout-outs throughout the laps to every BODY. A workout session could sound like this: “Terressa’s powerful legs are skipping to her lap goal! Abbie’s strong arms are moving her forward towards her lap goal! Tamara’s sturdy feet are balancing her to reach her lap goal!” Notice and acknowledge out loud how every BODY can perform, grow, strengthen, and move us forward in all ways. Acknowledge that we do not have to fit into a mold or idea that isn’t who we truly are. We can be the shape we are and still do hard things, accomplish difficult tasks, and love ourselves for it!
This is a difficult task to empower every BODY shape, size, and ability. This is a sensitive topic to address with a group of girls when social media, TV, and other people send unhealthy messages to our self-esteem and self-image. Sometimes it is hard to hear anything different once it is in our own thoughts. The beautiful piece to coaching young girls is the strength and empowerment in our own words and actions throughout each practice. We empower the idea that every BODY is unique. Every BODY is special. Every BODY is capable. Every BODY is worthy of self-love. It is time to celebrate every BODY!!!
Shayla A is the Coach Mentor for Girls on the Run Kansas City. Her background comes from the classroom, coaching, day treatment schools, wellness, and advocating for children with special needs. She enjoys empowering and advocating for girls and coaches in every challenge and celebration. Connect with her for support and assistance this season via Leigh Krtec.
BOOK LIST TO ENHANCE YOUR GIRLS’ SELF-CONFIDENCE:
I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont
The Shape of Me by Dr. Seuss
You Are a Beautiful Beginning by Nina Laden
Her Body Can by Katie Crenshaw
TO WATCH A VIDEO ON HOW TO IGNITE EVERY ROCKIN’ BODY: