BODY-CHECKING
I grew up in Montreal.
In the land of hockey
Hockey is aggressive
Body-Checking – pushing, shoving, charging and hitting an opponent is part of the experience.
According to the USA hockey rule book
The purpose of a body-check is to physically separate the opponent from the puck.
I also grew up in a woman’s body
In the land of perfection and high ideals
Being in a woman’s body has been an aggressive experience.
Body-Checking – examining the size of my thighs in the mirror, checking my size in contrast to her size, pinching my fat, has been part of the experience
According to the National Eating Disorder Association
Body checking is intrusive and obsessive behaviors and thoughts about body shape and size.
The purpose of body-checking is to separate women from their own true worth.
In hockey, there are rules of engagement about body-checking.
Players cannot body-check, for the purpose of intimidation or punishment.
Players are accountable for acts that endanger another player.
In Women’s hockey, body-checking is banned completely. It’s just not allowed.
I’d like to offer some rules of engagement about body-checking for women and their bodies.
I’d like to ban it completely.
I’d like you to stop checking the mirror to determine your own acceptability.
I’d like you to stop pinching your fat in an attempt to intimidate yourself into deprivation.
I’d like you to stop stepping on the scale as a way to punish yourself for the pleasure of enjoying your meal.
I’d like you to know that body-checking is endangering you own power, confidence and body-respect.
Does body-checking still happen in women’s hockey.
Yes.
It is the most penalized offense on the rink.
Will my rules of engagement for women and their bodies stop body-checking.
Probably not.
But my hope is it will help you develop a gentle inner ref.
A ref that calls out your violent behavior.
A ref that reminds you that you deserve to be treated with respect.
Is life a full-contact sport.
Yes.
Does your body have to be a casualty of the game?
Does your self-worth have to be sacrificed?
No.
No more body-checking
Nina Manolson, M.A. in Counseling Psychology, Nationally Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Psychology of Eating Coach, Body-Trust® Guide.
If you’d like help with navigating an authentic and respectful relationship with your body. Let’s talk.
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Nina Manolson, MA, NBC-HWC, board certified Health Coach, Psychology of Eating Coach and Certified Body-Trust Provider, believes that every woman deserves to feel good in her own body.
She helps women create a healthy and positive relationship with their food and body so they can love their body and life! She’s the founder of NinaManolson.com and The Nourished Woman Nation.
She helps busy women feel good in their own body.. She specializes in working with women over 40 who have tried other diets and approaches but are still struggling with their body and food.
She’s the creator of the BODY-LOVE MAP and the recipient of the prestigious Health Leadership Award from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
To get your F.R.E.E. ebook: HOW TO BE A WOMAN AT EASE IN YOUR BODY click here.
Nina Manolson, MA, NBC-HWC, is a Body-Peace™ Coach.
She is a board certified Health Coach, Psychology of Eating Coach and Certified Body-Trust Provider, believes that every woman deserves to feel good in her own body.
She helps women create a healthy and positive relationship with their food and body so they can truly feel at peace in their body! She’s the founder of NinaManolson.com and The Nourished Woman Nation.
She specializes in working with women over 40 who have tried many other diets and approaches but are still struggling with their relationship to body and food.She’s the creator of the BODY-LOVE MAP and the recipient of the prestigious Health Leadership Award from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.To take a powerful step on the Body-Peace™ Path, download your Practicing Body-Peace Journal right HERE.
If you’d like help with navigating an authentic and respectful relationship with your body. Let’s talk.
