A Bodybuilder Rebuilds Body Image

by Jordan Lemke

Robert Burton wants the whole world to hear his message of self-love and acceptance.

After 10 years in the health-and-wellness industry as a competitive bodybuilder, homeopathy practitioner and trainer, he has insight into the importance of a positive body image.

A recent survey conducted by Psychology Today shows that 56 percent of women and 45 percent of men are unhappy with their bodies.

Burton wants his clients to find a balance in their lives, whether they’re looking to lose weight, eat better or lead a more active life. He likens this balance to Buddhist meditation, saying that meditation “sees the absolute goodness and the absolute worst and it tries to find a harmonious balance between the two. To be one or the other is to hinder your mental constitution.”

This harmony can be difficult to obtain, but small steps toward a healthier lifestyle can make a big impact. Try moving every day—whether you go for a short walk, attend a yoga class or do jumping jacks before jumping in the shower. Working out should be motivated by making your body feel good, not necessarily look good. Sleeping enough, drinking plenty of water and doing active things that you enjoy are all keys to a healthy life.

Another critical facet of a healthy lifestyle is learning how to cook. “It helps you do so many things,” Burton says. “It helps you learn what ingredients you’re putting in your body, cognitively it makes your brain fire, and last but not least it’s like meditation.”

Eating well is an often quoted factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and Burton agrees, with a caveat. He does discuss the importance of nutritionally valuable foods, but he is careful to point out that diet should not restrict your life. Food choices, like everything else, are about balance.

The most important thing to keep in mind about positive body image is how important it is to your overall mental and physical health. Burton says not to judge your appearance off the standards seen in magazines or based on how many likes your Instagram posts get.

“You have to be comfortable with yourself and to know that you have worth other than your appearance,” Burton says. “If you can do that for yourself, and you can [practice] self-love, people will see you transforming into the person you are meant to be.”