A unique way to focus on body image: The Philly Naked Bike Ride

Would you like to strut your stuff to promote positive body image? Would you  like to promote fuel conscious consumption? Then come out on Sunday, September  4, for the 2011 Philly  Naked Bike Ride. Feeling nervous? That’s ok. It’s only bare as you dare.  Bring clothes and carry them with you. Feel free to put them on or take them off  as you like (hint: duct tape them to your frame for easy access). The Philly  Naked Bike Ride is a super fun event and they want to make you feel confident  about participating.

Eva G., a rider from Northeast Philly says: “I participated last year. I  wanted to be able to make a statement. I am in recovery from bulimia, and found  that cycling was one key in recovery. I didn’t bare it all last year, but this  year, who knows?”

In order to get involved, sign up to receive the meeting place and time. The route will  be communicated to riders who show up at the specified place and time. Body  painting supplies will be available so you can paint yourself and your friends!  The ride departs in the afternoon and goes rain or shine. There is also an after  party.

Still too shy, but want to work on body confidence? The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) offers these steps to a more positive body image:

1. Appreciate all that your body can do. Every day your body carries you  closer to your dreams. Celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for  you –running, dancing, breathing, laughing, dreaming, etc.

2. Keep a top-10 list of things you like about yourself — things that aren’t  related to how much you weigh or what you look like. Read your list often. Add  to it as you become aware of more things to like about you.

3. Remind yourself that “true beauty” is not simply skin-deep. When you feel  good about yourself and who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of  confidence, self-acceptance, and openness that makes you beautiful regardless of  whether you physically look like a supermodel. Beauty is a state of mind, not a  state of your body.

4. Look at yourself as a whole person. When you see yourself in a mirror or  in your mind, choose not to focus on specific body parts. See yourself as you  want others to see you — as a whole person.

5. Shut down those voices in your head that tell you your body is not “right” or that you are a “bad” person. You can overpower those negative thoughts with  positive ones. The next time you start to tear yourself down, build yourself  back up with a few quick affirmations that work for you.