The fifth edition of ESPN Magazine’s Body Issue has just been released, and the photos are as revealing as ever. Most would say that they aren’t, however, racy. While all of the athletes posting for the pictures are completely nude, the images are not provocative or sensual in any way. The photos instead illustrate in a very up close and personal manner the way in which these professional athletes’ bodies function as they perform in their areas of expertise.
This year’s collection of athletes is comprised of 10 men and 11 women from all areas of athletics ranging from 25 year-old San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick, to 34-year-old beach volleyball player and Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings, to 25-year-old funny car racer Courtney Force, to 77-year-old golfer and PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Gary Player – a very diverse group to say the least.
What’s even more amazing about these photos is that the participating athletes all convey a positive message about the human body and how it should be viewed by both ourselves and others. They spread messages of self-confidence and strength, which is extremely important considering the controversy surrounding body image perception in today’s world. While it may be easy to exude confidence in the buff when your livelihood revolves around staying fit, the wise words of these athletes can apply to anyone.
So why should you pick up a copy of this year’s Body Issue? Here are a few great lessons we took away from this installment:
- We are all different, and that’s a good thing! – Confidence in your physical appearance doesn’t necessitate chiseled abs like Sydney Leroux’s or powerful quads like baseball player Matt Harvey’s – each of us have qualities and attributes that make us beautiful and unique. Find what makes you special and embrace and highlight those qualities.
- Breaking boundaries makes us better– Our bodies are capable of more than we give ourselves credit for. These athletes all show us how they push the envelope every day and accept challenges as ways to make themselves better. What limits will you push yourself to in your every day life?
- Confidence is earned – Each of the athletes in this issue works extremely hard to achieve professional results. The confidence that emerges is a result of his or her pride in those accomplishments. A positive attitude can go a long way when it comes to confidence. Earn it, and then own it!
Check out the full gallery here.
What do you think of this year’s Body Issue?
Feature image via
