Sunday, October 11, 2009

Sporting Bodies Beautiful

October 9th, ESPN the Magazine premiered something new they call The Body Issue. This is to be an annual issue that will showcase the physical attributes of athletes from all sports. ESPN says it will all be very artfully and tastefully done. Well, from what I've seen of it so far, they have some talented photographers that have achieved that goal.

There will be six covers out for this issue featuring three female and three male athletes; Serena Williams (tennis), amputee triathlete Sarah Reinertsen, Gina Carano (Mixed Martial Arts), Adrian Peterson (NFL), Dwight Howard (NBA), and NASCAR’s Carl Edwards.

In the section "Bodies We Want" top athletes either pose in the buff (with private parts strategically covered) or with minimal clothing. The section is "essentially ESPN's version of the best bodies in sports."

In another section called "Exposure," groups of athletes from the LPGA, the U.S. Women's Softball Team, the NHL's Edmonton Oilers, Major League Soccer's D.C. United and even a group of poker players pose.
Poker is a sport? Getouttahere.

Gorgeous, talented Serena Williams. Here is her mag cover.



Olympic hurdler Lolo Jones decided she would be in The Body Issue if she could take a tasteful picture that would send young girls the message they don’t have to be skinny or starve themselves. The 5 foot 9 inch Jones says she weighs 160 pounds. She knows that number surprises people, but muscle weighs more than fat, and Lolo has a lot of muscle, and next to no fat.

There’s something to be said for a naturally athletic figure untainted by bad nutritional habits. A Buck sixty that works.



Adrian Peterson of the MN Vikings. Wow! How would you like those guns coming at you?


Just beautiful.


Nascar's Carl Anderson has the six pack needed to cross that finish line. Damn.


Australian professional surfer Claire Bevilacqua


Orlando Magic star center, 6'11" 265lbs Dwight Howard does indeed look like his nickname, Superman.


Gina Carano is the biggest female mixed martial art star.


Triathlon and Amazing Race athlete Sarah Reinertsen


Sarah was the first female leg amputee to complete the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. How 'bout that!


Natasha Kai of the U.S. Soccer team believes in body art on her artfully athletic body.


U.S. Olympic Softball team members; Natasha Watley, Cat Osterman, Jessica Mendoza and Lauren Lapper.


Jessica Mendoza posed while eight months pregnant. "I try to get young girls to see themselves as beautiful and to not feel insecure about their bodies," she said. "The more we can get more realistic bodies in front of them, the better."
“I am excited about this issue because it is unique and shows the beauty of the athlete’s most powerful tool: their body. Rather than having the stereotypical bodies that we are used to seeing through the media every day, the bodies in this issue vary from super buff, to lean, to stocky … all exemplifying beauty in their own way. I was proud to be in this issue at a unique time of my life. I felt that by showing athletes in every shape and form, including those of us who have children and continue to play, ESPN the Magazine is trying to break those stereotypes. I hope those who see this issue see it as a refreshing and celebratory view of the athletic body in all its beauty and forms, influencing women and girls in a positive way to appreciate their own unique, athletic bodies.”

Healthy, strong and successful men and women. What can be more beautiful. What do you think?

9 comments:

Chris said...

I think that was incredible!!! For a minute I was thinking, 'why do the guys get to wear clothes?' and then I saw that it was more or less equal......all in all, very tastefully done!

Jackie said...

Yes and inside the mag there are more athletes. There are photographs of all kinds of bodies and body parts like the cauliflower ear of a boxer. OMG! Great issue of photography and perspective of sports.

Dustin said...

Great post and very inspirational! My favorites photos are Serena, the pregnant woman, Superman and the woman who is 5'9 and 160. I can relate because I am also 5'9 and when I weighed 145 most people thought I weighed less but muscle does weigh more than fat.

Also, you should check out Athletes buy Howard Schatz; another great book showing athletic physiques.

Jackie said...

Thanks Dustin. I'll check out that book. I like all those you named too, plus I really think Sarah Reinertsen's standing pose is gorgeous. Imagine all the amputees (as well as other athletes) out there who will have that inspirational poster on their wall.

Anonymous said...

This is my first visit to your blog.....it appears you put much time and effort in your post.....very tastefully done..I will continue to drop in. BTW...I found you through DWjazzlover....he is my first cousin. I live in Space Coast, FL.

LoJo

Jackie said...

Welcome Lojo! Thanks and I like your cousin's blog too. Come back often.

Ann Brock said...

Jackie when I saw the Serena cover, I was really pleased...I think she looks beautiful... That cover looks tasteful, Serena looks empowered and she looks like she is having a good time.

Jackie said...

She does doesn't she. Good point Ann and I agree that she shows her power and beauty. Great combination.

Reggie said...

Those are some very beautiful bodies, to be sure.