The Body Project: More than Muscles

Current research suggests that males struggle with negative body image at levels equal to their female counterparts. The emphasis on muscularity and the physique promoted by culture and media poses a unique challenge. With that in mind, Student Counseling Services, in collaboration with Health Promotion and Wellness and the Department of Psychology, is offering ISU men and other individuals who are influenced by the hyper-muscular cultural ideal the opportunity to engage in the Body Project: More Than Muscles.  This new program is designed to help challenge the cultural ideal, and help students develop and maintain healthy body image.

Student Counseling Services is looking for students interested in being leaders on campus to champion positive messages about health and wellness. More than Muscles provides space to push back against the unrealistic cultural messages about the “ideal” body, as well as how to promote acceptance of diverse body sizes.  Participants will also learn concrete skills to challenge the traditional stereotypes, and champion body positivity.

Additionally, participants learn to promote acceptance of diverse body shapes and sizes on campus, and concrete skills to counter negative appearance talk in their daily lives.

The Body Project: More Than Muscles involves two separate, 2-hour workshops, led by trained peers.  Opportunities are available for men to become trained Peer Facilitators of the program, or to sign up as Participants.  Additionally, completion of the program can lead to extra credit in some ISU courses; please check with your professor for more information.

Will you help change the narrative and be a champion for men?  Sign up to participate or apply to become a Peer Facilitator using the links on this page.  If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Jojo Mitchell, Student Counseling Services, at jmmitc4@ilstu.edu or Jim Almeda, Health Promotion & Wellness, at jralmed@ilstu.edu . 

2022-2023 More than Muscles Facilitators

 

 

 

Please note that requests for the  Body Project or Body Project: More Than Muscles will not be accepted during Summer and Winter Break.  The programs run during the Fall and Spring semesters only. Additionally, individuals with a history of an eating disorder should wait at least two years post recovery to participate in the program.

Body Project: More Than Muscles 

Facilitator Applications

Facilitator Training Application for Fall 2022

More Than Muscles Group Application 2022-2023

General Implementation for Fall 2023