A dad bod isn’t a bad bod

Female body positivity might be reaching new levels of inclusivity, but the same cannot be said for us men – and it’s only getting worse

When Jason Momoa is getting Body shamed , you know things are out of control.

After being photographed on holiday last July with his family, trolls took to social media to alert the world to the fact the Aquaman star had let himself go.

One reminded Momoa ‘to start lifting again’ while others were more blunt, telling him he was

‘fat’ and had a ‘dad belly’.

Admittedly, the ridiculously chiselled physique we’ve come to expect of Momoa as the King of Atlantis was, this time around, a little less defined. But was he out of shape? No. He just wasn’t shot in perfect lighting and likely hadn’t dedicated himself to the same gruelling training regime for his holiday as he did for the filming of Aquaman. The nerve.

When it comes to criticism, Momoa isn’t alone. In the same month, British Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford posted to Instagram about taking part in a charity swim.

Instead of messages of support, all anyone could talk about was the former long jumper’s newly acquired dad bod. Even with abs and biceps clearly visible to even the most discerning of trolls, it wasn’t enough.

We’re at a point where the aspirational body image for men is so narrow it’s unattainable for the majority. A year ago, Rutherford and Momoa would have been body goals. Now, they’re deemed laughable.

It begs the question, where is the healthy in-between? Because, how realistic is it to look like

Chris Hemsworth? Who has the time for hours of training, let alone the luxury of a dedicated trainer and chef?

Short answer, very few of us. And this is taking its toll on our mental health.

In 1972, 85% of men were happy with their bodies, according to a study by the University of Nebraska-lincoln.

A similar study in the journal Body Image found that figure now sits at just 28%. This dissatisfaction breeds anxiety and depression.

Meanwhile, the opposite can be said for women. Plus-sized models are becoming increasingly more visible, helping to do away with the idea that you have to be skinny to be beautiful.

Models like Ashley Graham and Australia’s La’tecia Thomas are better described as activists, empowering women to feel better in their bodies, whatever the shape or size. We need to find that same space for men.

This doesn’t mean we advocate ditching the gym altogether – it’s about recognising the phase of life you’re in. For all the A-listers out there playing superheroes, it makes perfect sense to become a human incarnation of a

Greek god. For everyone else, not so much.

Likewise, for Jason Momoa to be sporting a “dad bod” when on vacation again makes perfect sense. He’s enjoying himself and prioritising his wife and kids over his abs.

The same goes for the rest of us: with more and more demands on our time, sculpting a body like a finely tuned machine may not be our priority. And that’s OK.

On the other hand, if we’re using being busy as an excuse for being lazy and our health and self-esteem are suffering, we should do something about it.

It’s about finding balance – and if that means occasionally hitting the breakfast buffet, then we’re here for it.

THE SUPERHERO COMPLEX

Barely a week goes by where a superhero film isn’t occupying the box office. And in almost every one you have a male lead who’s cut like Adonis post chest-session.

This comes with the territory, sure, but superheroes aren’t just robotic machines, they’re bastions of good vs evil. They’re courageous, honourable and selfless – none of which necessitates being ripped.

And so, by having the superhero identity aligned so closely to a hulking muscular frame puts muscularity as a sign of goodness.

Boys as young as six are internalising these signs. A recent study from The University of Sydney found that primary school children ‘overwhelmingly’ preferred modern-day muscular versions of superhero figurines compared to the slimmer versions of the past.

In fact, 86% chose the presentday versions, with most saying their choice was down to the physique. However, there are signs that we can break this pattern.

Chris Hemsworth’s turn in Avengers: Endgame spoke of Marvel’s willingness to change the narrative. Thor appears on our screen lost and discernibly fat and as he stumbles toward his inevitable turnaround, we’re expecting it to be followed by a physical rebirth.

But, spoiler alert, he saves the world without a six pack. With the recent news we’re soon to have our first transgender lead, 2019 could be the year superheroes start to look a little different. About time, too.

CHECK YOURSELF

Toning your body in the gym can be time well spent. But, be careful to recognise when things are being taken to unhealthy extremes. Here are two terms you should know:

MUSCLE DYSMORPHIA

A form of body dysmorphia that, according to medical journal The BMJ, ‘occurs almost exclusively in men’ refers to a ‘preoccupation that one’s body is too small and inadequately muscular’.

Katharine Phillips, director of Body Dysmorphic Programme, argues that ‘recent social pressures for boys and men to be large and muscular almost certainly contribute to the development of muscle dysmorphia’ and those suffering score ‘notably worse in all mental health domains’ than the general population.

In other words, this is serious. If you have a friend who works out excessively and yet still believes their body is inadequate, talk to them about seeking help.

OVER TRAINING

If you’re hitting the gym several times a week but the effects are plateauing, you’re feeling consistently sore and your workout routine has ceased to be enjoyable, it’s likely because you’re overtraining.

Dr Brad Roy in the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal tells us, ‘too much overload and/ or not enough recovery can result in both physiological and psychological symptoms’.

Moral of the story, resting should be just as much a part of your workout routine as training. Remember, more is not always better.

‘With more and more demands on our time, sculpting a

body like a finely tuned machine may not be our priority. And that’s OK.’