Body Project: More Than Muscles at Illinois State University

Current research suggests that males struggle with negative body image at levels equal to their female counterparts. The emphasis on muscularity and the physique promoted by culture and media poses a unique challenge. With that in mind, Student Counseling Services, in collaboration with Health Promotion and Wellness and the Department of Psychology, offers ISU men and other individuals who are influenced by the hyper-muscular cultural ideal the opportunity to engage in the Body Project: More Than Muscles. This new program is designed to help challenge the cultural ideal, and help students develop and maintain healthy body image. Peer facilitators and participants champion positive messages about health and wellness. More than Muscles provides space to push back against the unrealistic cultural messages about the “ideal” body, teaches how to promote acceptance of diverse body shapes and sizes, challenge traditional stereotypes, counter negative appearance talk, and champion body positivity. Learn more about the program and experiences of trained More Than Muscles Peer Facilitators by watching this video.