Groove Magazine International Issue 3 Issue 3 | Page 16

Do you rock your body?

uiz
Q

How do you feel about the way your body looks? Is your form flattering and your figure fabulous, or are
you ashamed by your shape? How we view our bodies is tied up inextricably with how we were raised,
how our culture and community view of body types, control issues and of course, self-esteem. Take this
quiz and find out how yourock your body:
1. When I look in the mirror, I:
a.Like what I see ("flaws" and all).
b.Would like what I see if I could just lose weight, firm up,
or get rid of these stretch marks.
c.Avoid looking at myself, because I know I look terrible.
2. In my mind, the definition of a healthy weight is:
a.Somewhere within the healthy range of a healthy body
mass index.
b.A specific number, which happens to correspond with fitting
into a certain size.
c.Whatever I weigh when I'm living a reasonable life.
3. You run into a friend you haven't seen in a while, and
she says, “You look great!” Do you…
a. Feel uncomfortable and say something like, “Oh no, I
look terrible,” or “You need new glasses!”
b. Thank her for the compliment, but then say you think
you look tired, your outfit is old, or that it's only because
you're wearing Spanks.
c. Appreciate her for being so complimentary, take it in
as positive feedback and move forward with your day
knowing you're looking good.
4. I exercise primarily because:
a.I'm trying to burn calories, manage my weight and/
or change my appearance.
b.It makes me feel more energetic, stronger, healthier
and/or happier.
c.A little of both
5. Most of the time, I stop eating when I'm _____.
a.Uncomfortably full
b.Satisfied
c.Sick and overwhelmed with guilt about what I ate

6. When I'm invited to go swimming, I:
a.Immediately decline--there's no way anyone is
seeing me in a bathing suit.
b.Hesitate, feeling nervous about being seen in a
bathing suit.
c.Accept and start planning for the pool party!
7. Someone you were dating casually has stopped
calling. Do you…
. Immediately think it's because something is wrong
a.
with the way you look.
b.Wonder if it is because of your appearance and also
think of the other reasons it could be.
c.Assume that it has nothing to do with how you look
8. How often are you in a bad mood or depressed about
your appearance?
a.Daily or most of the week.
b.Whenever appearance-related things are brought to your
attention.
c.Rarely. You feel pretty good about your appearance overall.
9. A friend has joined a gym and asks you if you want
to join with her and go together. Do you…
a.Think: “Wow, she must think I am out of shape.”
b.Wonder if she has been judging your body, but appreciate
the concern.
c.Be glad she is trying to be healthier and exercise, and
appreciate that she is interested in spending time with you.
10. When you are thinking about your body and your
appearance, do you…
a.Find yourself being critical, judgmental and downright
mean.
b.Spend some time picking yourself apart while trying to
find the positives as well.
c.Know that you aren't perfect, but try to think of the things
you actually do like and appreciate about yourself.

Results:
If most of your answers are “A”:
You are way too hard on yourself when it comes to your
weight and overall appearance. Being this critical can lead
to depression, anxiety and even an eating disorder. It is im
portant that you work on how you see yourself so you can f
ind the positive in who you are and how you look. If you feel
truly stuck in this negative cycle, seek counseling or other
professional guidance.
If most of your answers are “B”:
You walk the line between being hard on yourself and
emotionally well-adjusted when it comes to your body image.
If you have more A's and B's and not enough C's, you are in
danger of becoming too self-critical and hurting your selfesteem. Pat yourself on the back for the areas where you are
accepting of yourself, and note that you need to focus a bit
more on the positive so that you can have a more kind and
loving view of your physical self.
If most of your answers are “C”:
Congratulations! You are comfortab