Body image and the female swimmer: muscularity but in moderation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate embodiment in a cohort of female swimmers. Relatively limited consideration has been given to body image in female swimmers and this study endeavoured to provide the first formal comparative insight into embodiment in adolescent swimmers and adult swimmers. Nineteen Scottish female swimmers took part in focus groups and interviews where they discussed issues related to body image; eight were adolescent swimmers aged between 14 and 18 years and 11 were adult swimmers aged between 19 and 56 years. The focus groups and interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The analysis identified three body image themes associated with swimming: the impact of swimming on the bodymuscularity but in moderation, body confidence as transient: age matters, and the influence of others. Swimmers developed muscular bodies that were considered contrary to the cultural thin ideal. There were clear differences between the different age groups in respect of the transiency of body satisfaction whereby adult swimmers transferred their swimming confidence into their social worlds but this was not the case for adolescent swimmers. Implications of the findings for coaches working with young female swimmers are discussed.

Searching for masculine capital: Experiences leading to high drive for muscularity in men.

“…Future investigation is needed to examine the presence of other DFM-related narratives of men and to explore similar processes in relation to women (e.g., female athletes, Howells & Grogan, 2012). Our purposive sample included participants between the ages of 20 and 44 years, further research is needed to explore the narratives of men from different age groups.…”

The lived experience of CrossFit as a context for the development of women’s body image and appearance management practices

“…To some extent, social context helps to explain female athletes' varying experiences of the body; although some female athletes may feel confident in themselves and their bodies while in a specific sporting realm, in non-sporting situations, they may feel that their bodies "stand out" and violate social norms (Beckner and Record 2016;George 2005;Howells and Grogan 2012;Steinfeldt et al 2013). A variety of others factors can further explain contradictory findings related to how women's athletic participation shapes their body-related feelings and behaviors.…”

“…Further, Knapp's work does not examine how embodied experiences within the CrossFit box may shape realities "beyond the box, " including how female CrossFitters appraise their bodies, which ideals they aspire to, and how they present themselves and manage their appearances, appetites, and diets in various contexts. Such issues are critical to explore, as prior work suggests that female athletes' experiences of their bodies may vary dependent upon social context (Becker and Record 2016;George 2005;Howells and Grogan 2012;Steinfeldt et al 2013). Thus, with the present work, we aimed to build upon Knapp's work by exploring how women's participation in CrossFit sets a context for their embodied experiences inside and outside of the CrossFit box.…”

“…Some female athletes develop a dislike for the muscular physiques they develop as a result of their athletic participation (George 2005;Howells and Grogan 2012). Other evidence suggests that women who participate in sports regard fat as not only unattractive, but as inhibiting of their athletic performance (George 2005).…”

“…Participating in varied sports may support other "body positive" experiences, providing women a foundation to privilege their bodily strength and function over their bodily aesthetics and to enjoy the physicality of their sport (Eklund and Masberg 2014;Krane et al 2004). And, for female athletes, building strength, muscularity, and athletic skill has been found to be experienced as a source of confidence and empowerment (e.g., George 2005;Eklund and Masberg 2014;Howells and Grogan 2012;Krane et al 2004).…”