NORTH WALES-  As technological advancements increase the accessibility of media, it becomes easier to fall victim to worshipping media’s portrayal of beauty. With the Internet now literally at our fingertips, teenagers are constantly assaulted with images of ultra thin models who supposedly represent the “ideal.”

Although Dove’s “Campaign for Real Beauty,” Seventeen Magazine’s “Body Peace” program, and other similar promotions gear themselves towards challenging media’s traditional portrayal of beauty and encouraging women to love their natural bodies, the “skinny or die” sentiment continues to impede self-esteem everywhere.

To combat this epidemic of negative thought, the local Wholistic Fitness Center: Complete Wellness for Women, created a four-week workshop for teenage girls designed to improve body image, self-esteem, and overall health and well-being. With 10% of proceeds benefiting Girls Inc, a program “inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold,” the Wholistic Fitness Girls Club hopes that the positive lessons learned in the workshop will be transferred out into the community.

“There’s a lot of young ladies out there who struggle with trying to look a certain way, wanting to look a certain way, and being unhappy with themselves. It’s sad to me because I think sometimes they’re embarrassed to reach out to others… that’s a tough way to go through life and that’s why I’m passionate about [the Wholistic Girls Fitness Club],” says Miss Jennifer Ainge who teaches Pilates at Wholistic Fitness.

Teenage life is troublesome enough without the added pressure to fit into media’s portrayal of the “ideal” body. Knowing others are struggling with the same issues can be an effective way of building a feeling of self-worth. As many with body image problems remain silent, it becomes easy to overlook the seriousness of the crisis. However, even within the walls of North Penn High School, individuals daily cope with low self-esteem.

“There are students here in this building who choose not to eat in the cafeteria, because they don’t like to eat in front of other people,” says Ainge. 

While the program incorporates the guidance of psychologist Dr. Christine Marston, the principles of positive thinking and healthy habits are messages that the girls can pass onto their friends.

The influence of media will be ever-present, but with the inclusion of more programs like those offered by the Wholistic Fitness Girls Club, perhaps the negativity will cease and girls with take pride in being healthy, naturally.

Offering North Penn School District students a discount for the program, the Wholistic Fitness Girls Club hopes to end the silence and start making a change in the way girls perceive themselves and others.  Female NPHS students interested in learning more about this program can contact Miss Ainge at [email protected].