O uso do espelho e a imagem corporal em mulheres praticantes de ginástica aeróbica

Abstract

The study sought greater understanding about the use of the mirror in aerobic gymnastics and its implications in aspects of the practitioners' body image. Given that the mirror can influence the behavior of these people during classes, it was necessary to research whether the use (or not) of the mirror interferes with aspects of body image in women who practice group aerobics classes in a gym. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible impact of using the mirror in group classes on aspects of the body image of women practicing aerobics. The present study was characterized as qualitative, of a descriptive, transversal nature. The sample consisted of nine women aged from 18 to 50 years-old (mean age 29.44 ± 3.68) practicing aerobics at a gym in the city of Governador Valadares. The instrument used was a semi-structured interview script, developed by the researchers. The detailed analysis of the data was based on the Content Analysis method of Bardin (2011), which has four stages: pre-analysis, exploration, categorization and inference. In order to contemplate the objectives of this study, three major categories were created based on the content analysis of the interviews performed: 1) aspects related to the mirror; 2) motivations for aerobic gymnastics; 3) self-assessment in aerobics classes. We conclude that the mirror conveys different feelings and can be used as motivation or demotivation. The women's preferences were for classes with a mirror. One of the reasons that led practitioners to adopt certain types of behaviors to obtain the ideal body, may be because they look in the mirror and do not feel satisfied. The classes without mirror allowed for greater interaction between the participants, without the formation of subgroups, even if the subject has become unique; Regarding the reasons that lead them to practice gymnastics, the factor most mentioned by the participants was weight loss, but other factors such as the dynamics of the class, social aspects, personal taste, pleasure and satisfaction with the practice were also mentioned; In the self-assessment during classes, the facilities mentioned were related to choreography, for learning easily and having good motor coordination. Finally, the reported difficulties were the lack of motor coordination and the physical unpreparedness on the part of thepractitioners.