A relação entre a imagem corporal, a atuação profissional e o comportamento do personal trainer

Abstract

Body image is the way the individual perceives and conceptualizes his body in relation to his interpersonal relationships and the place where he lives. Several times, the media imposes patterns that are internalized in the population, becoming ideals and goals to be achieved, and with personal trainers it is not different. The demand for these professionals to be examples of health and beauty tends to be great for their job and the place where they perform their function. However, due to many factors, these individuals do not always fit the ideals imposed, which can affect their credibility as a professional, whether or not reflecting on their career and financial return, and on their behavior, may have influences on their lifestyle, whether they are good or bad. The aim of this study was to identify how the body image of the personal trainer interferes with his professional performance and his daily behavior in relation to his own body. The study is qualitative, descriptive and cross-sectional, with its sample composed of men and women, who answered an individual interview through a semi-structured script, and the data collected was disentangled with the technique of content analysis.With the results, it was possible to define three major categories related to the trainers’ body standards, the professionals' behaviors in relation to their bodies and the relationship with the opinions and credibility given by clients and co-workers. Finally, it was concluded that personal trainers are influenced by the body standards disseminated in society, causing them to modulate their daily behaviors seeking to approach what is considered an acceptable body. It was also observed that the professionals' relationships with their clients and co-workers can influence their body image and the credibility they receive from other people around them.