This article by Martha Barnette discusses how the perfect body has a different meaning to every individual. The perfect body can also differ depending on the time and place. The ideal look is relative. Barnette uses the examples of how athletes when competing in their sport seems to have the perfect body yet outside of their profession their physical features become imperfections.
For a dancer it is important that she is thin for fluid movements yet her body can be seen as lanky. The ultimate body desired for a dancer also differs depending on location. In New York the dancer should be slender without looking anorexic, in Europe a much more muscular look is desired. For a speed skater her defined leg muscles are required for smooth strides although they can be viewed dense. For a swimmer her shoulders are necessary for powerful strokes yet can be seen as broad and masculine. The body type for a figure skater or gymnast is very specific, as she needs to have strength yet keep a slim figure. For example figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi was 93 pounds and gymnast Shannon Miller was 4’6”. There are very precise aesthetics required for these sports. However for tennis this is not the case as there are a wider range of body types due to the variety of ways to win, yet sculpted calves and thighs are a necessity in order to be fast. Powerful thighs are even more important for sprinters. Yet for a marathon runner it is more ideal to be lean. For body building it is all about the muscles and a lot of it has to do with natural genetics. Within body building the perfect physique is debated. Even models whose job it is to have the most flawless look, have varying expectations. Depending on the time period the desired look has altered dramatically.
Clearly the inspirational look varies depending on the objective. This article concludes with the idea that there is probably no such thing as the absolute perfect body as beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
By: Marisa Silber
By: Marisa Silber
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