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The Initial Hurdles of Body Image in Combat sports

In episode 17, we delved into a topic often brushed aside, body image in combat sports. More specifically, how female athletes grapple with body image, weight management, and societal pressures. Kelsey Underwood and Tayler Kelly shared not just stories but real-life experiences of women navigating the physically demanding realms of kickboxing and Muay Thai.

The discussion kicked off by shedding light on the early stages of a female fighter’s journey, where societal norms collide with the rigid weight class system. Our guests opened up about their battles with body dysmorphia and performance anxiety, stressing the importance of a supportive community. This highlighted the need for better representation in media and a deeper understanding of the mental challenges athletes face.

Navigating Weight Management and Coaching Influence

We then explored the realm of weight management and the influence of coaches, delving into the harsh realities of weight cutting in combat sports. Both athletes recounted their struggles with extreme weight loss techniques, emphasizing the pivotal role of knowledgeable and compassionate coaches. This served as a stark reminder of how coaches can shape an athlete’s relationship with food and self-image.

Balancing Body Image and Athletic Performance

The conversation then shifted to the intricacies of body image in combat sports. Our guests candidly discussed the psychological toll of weight fluctuations and the quest for a healthy approach to weight management. They touched upon the struggle of balancing muscle development for performance with societal expectations of femininity, offering personal insights into their own journeys with body image.

Redefining Femininity: Strength and Athleticism

Moving forward, we explored the intersection of femininity and athletic confidence. Both guests shared transformative stories of breaking away from conventional beauty standards to embrace strength and athleticism. This reflects the evolving landscape for women in sports, redefining what it means to be feminine and powerful.

Empowerment Through Body Awareness

We also tackled the topic of calorie counting, emphasizing its evolution from a restrictive dieting tool to a means of body awareness and empowerment. Our guests stressed the importance of approaching calorie tracking with a positive mindset, highlighting how discipline in sports shouldn’t lead to unnecessary shame.

Understanding Body Signals: Menstrual Health and Athletic Performance

Finally, we underscored the importance of self-awareness, particularly regarding menstrual health and its impact on athletic performance. Tracking menstrual cycles can help anticipate physical and emotional changes, emphasizing the significance of understanding one’s body signals.

In closing, we celebrated the resilience of female combat athletes, the power of support among women, and the importance of talking about body image in combat sports. The episode encourages awareness, dialogue, and empowerment, providing a platform for shared experiences and the courage to tackle the challenges ahead.

To connect with Tayler, follow her on instagram @ tkels_
To connect with Kelsey, follow her on instagram @ smoochie29

Thank you for tuning in and for sharing this with your peers. You’re invited to offer feedback, suggest ideas for future topics, or to share times you ate (or were served) a slice of humble pie too. Please note that only constructive and respectful emails and messages are welcome. We’re human and sometimes we get things wrong. Let’s show up, stumble forward, and get better together!

Website: https://parastoobadie.com/podcast/
Email: asliceofhumblepiewithp2@gmail.com
Instagram: @asliceofhumblepiewithp2

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