As an extremely physically active female, I find bodywork to be a very central part of my life. Bodywork can be defined as “practices performed on one’s own body that connects to aesthetic modifications or maintenance of the body” (Coffey, 2012, p. 5). Bodywork is a phenomenon that has recently taken the Western world by storm, most particularly by active females. For some females, bodywork can be an especially empowering process, but for others, it can turn into an extremely damaging and ultimately disempowering experience, both physically and mentally. In this context I would describe empowerment as giving one confidence through the practice of active bodywork. This brings about the question; is female bodywork as it relates to physically
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I have never felt more physically empowered than when I started performing active bodywork to improve my health and my performance. I wholeheartedly agree with Brace-Govan’s idea that “women may benefit from pursuing their bodywork instrumentally, not on the basis of appearance” (Brace-Govan, 2002, pg. 403). Once I started engaging in active bodywork from this perspective, I never looked back. My focus eventually shifted from how I look in a swimsuit at meets to how I perform in them. I found it much more empowering when I did well in a meet instead of just looking slim in one. I have never felt healthier physically and mentally. I firmly believe that “organized sport and fitness activities make women feel great about themselves and their bodies; they liberate women, give them autonomy and empower them” (Bradshaw, 2002, pg. 5). It is when active female bodywork is used to improve performance rather than appearance that empowerment is truly …show more content…
Perhaps in the past this may not have been the case, but I think now more than ever things are starting to change. In fact, a study by Shari Dworkin found that “definitions of emphasized femininity in the new millennium indeed include more musculature than the last several decades” (Dworkin, 2001, pg. 346). As Western society is becoming less patriarchal, female athletes of all ages are starting to shape their bodies more so for themselves and to improve their performance, in turn counteracting most of the disempowerment that may have prior occurred. That being said, I still think that we as active females engaging in bodywork have a long way to go. Active females must continue to work on their bodies in the most mentally and physically positive way in order for empowerment to develop. It is our responsibility if we want any real change to occur, that we must take part in this movement that “simultaneously creates "new" womanhood as it re-creates "true" womanhood” (Dworkin, 2001, pg.
I have never felt more physically empowered than when I started performing active bodywork to improve my health and my performance. I wholeheartedly agree with Brace-Govan’s idea that “women may benefit from pursuing their bodywork instrumentally, not on the basis of appearance” (Brace-Govan, 2002, pg. 403). Once I started engaging in active bodywork from this perspective, I never looked back. My focus eventually shifted from how I look in a swimsuit at meets to how I perform in them. I found it much more empowering when I did well in a meet instead of just looking slim in one. I have never felt healthier physically and mentally. I firmly believe that “organized sport and fitness activities make women feel great about themselves and their bodies; they liberate women, give them autonomy and empower them” (Bradshaw, 2002, pg. 5). It is when active female bodywork is used to improve performance rather than appearance that empowerment is truly …show more content…
Perhaps in the past this may not have been the case, but I think now more than ever things are starting to change. In fact, a study by Shari Dworkin found that “definitions of emphasized femininity in the new millennium indeed include more musculature than the last several decades” (Dworkin, 2001, pg. 346). As Western society is becoming less patriarchal, female athletes of all ages are starting to shape their bodies more so for themselves and to improve their performance, in turn counteracting most of the disempowerment that may have prior occurred. That being said, I still think that we as active females engaging in bodywork have a long way to go. Active females must continue to work on their bodies in the most mentally and physically positive way in order for empowerment to develop. It is our responsibility if we want any real change to occur, that we must take part in this movement that “simultaneously creates "new" womanhood as it re-creates "true" womanhood” (Dworkin, 2001, pg.