Why do people freak out when they see someone who's in good shape?

Question

I recently read a response to a question about what female Olympic volleyball players are wearing. The woman responded that it causes self-esteem issues for women to see people like this. I've noticed that people say such things when they see women who are in very good physical shape and not entirely covered up. I can understand airbrushed models causing people to feel they'll never measure up, but an athelete? Come on! If it makes people feel so awful to see people who work hard to be healthy and fit, why can't they go work out and do the same? It seems to me that people want to be lazy and have bodies they're not so happy about, and put down everyone whom they believe looks better instead of getting up and doing something about it! So I guess I'm asking: Do fit women really damage your self-esteem? If so, why? And why do you complain instead of trying to do something about it?

Answer 1

It's not about freaking out that they have great bodies, it's about modesty. Some people don't know what that is and prefer to have their b***s, butts and bellys hanging out at every chance they get. I think it's great to be fit, but I would never walk around half-naked, thats just not classy.

As far as athletes in the Olympics. As long as they aren't wearing thong bikinis and their b***s aren't flying out, why cares?

Answer 2

REAL athletes are people I idolize. they have ambition. it takes so much dedication to say no to "laziness" and cheesecake.

It's too easy to just not eat and be paper thin.

Answer 3

basic human intolerance.

and jealousy/envy.

lack of self esteem and self worth in specific areas.

as far as modesty, it is a human invention that is completely arbitrary.

and usually only important i societies where going fully clothed is a culture.

tribal people walk around nude and its no big deal to them.

Answer 4

I think they look great. I am trying to figure out which sport makes the best body type.

Thinking maybe some of the water sports are good types or maybe runners.

Answer 5

People want justification for their feelings. They never want to accept blame for the way they feel. They want to blame others for their lack of self esteem

Those  women in the olympics are looking great and so are the men!

I remember in highschool the girls who would only drink a diet coke at lunch because they didn't want to get fat. And they couldn't understand why I could eat a sandwich, eat pretzels, carrots and drink a bottle of water and still be in better shape than them. Go figure

Answer 6

they dont damage my self esteem. i think that athletes are making good example for young kids. and they shouldnt be covered up unnecessary. athletes are positive role models and they do make people think about their own health and appearance, even provoking jealousy, it draws attention for everyone to see how our bodies (should) look and work at their best