KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Dec. 2022) — Bet you never thought much about men having body image issues. Well guess what? They do. And according to the male membership population of the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR.com), they can easily shed these insecurities by shedding their clothes in the nurturing, natural, naturist environment of AANR-affiliated resorts, RV parks, campgrounds and officially designated clothing-optional beaches.

While women worry about their breasts and booties, men often feel insecure if deprived of 6-pack abs, and the addition of overhanging dad body bellies. According to Psychology Today, their “self-disparagement is specifically directed toward their abdomens (71 percent), body weight (66 percent), hips (60 percent), and muscle tone (58 percent). Men show escalating dissatisfaction with their abdomens (63 percent), weight (52 percent), muscle tone (45 percent), overall appearance (43 percent), and chest (38 percent).”

Media influence is a base culprit in body image issues regardless of gender. Their imagery consistently suggests only the best and most desirable of men are lean, strong, and muscular. And the male body image struggle doesn’t end with just the shape of their bodies, they also must contend with hair loss and short height prejudice issues too.

Interestingly enough, strong interpersonal and emotional factors more often serve to reinforce, not punish men’s’ view of themselves with regard to body image. This implies that there are many avenues available to men to improve their feelings about their bodies. And socializing in a naturist environment is one way to achieve an increased level of self-satisfaction. Why?

Nudists are open and willing to share who they are and accept you for who you are — as God made you. Besides body acceptance and personal freedom, non-sexualized nude recreation and Nakation℠ vacationing engenders a heightened level of relaxation, stress-reduction, self-respect, and acceptance of others. It helps one appreciate the diversity of the human form. When there is no collar being worn, there are no prejudices regarding one holding white-collar or blue-collar status. When the clothes are shed, almost instantaneously so too are the stresses of everyday life.

Visiting a nude beach or resort can actually build body confidence and reduce anxiety about one’s physique and one’s place in the world. Body image is not just about physical appearance, it can suppress or enhance one’s mental representation of oneself affecting self-esteem and directing our daily persona, i.e., mood. Want to lighten up? Take off the weight of some clothing, in an appropriate setting, of course. And preferably at an AANR-affiliated facility.

According to Michael Castleman, M.A.’s Nov 2022 article in Psychology Today, public nakedness contributes to self-esteem “Largely because the truth is liberating. Most adults see few other adults naked. They compare their bodies not to those of ordinary folks, but to the bodies they see on television and in magazines, movies, and pornography—bodies usually closer to perceived social ideals than theirs. But when people see lots of naked bodies, they quickly appreciate the great diversity of the human form and judge themselves less harshly. In addition, many people fear that others think they’re unattractive. But when everyone is naked and no one disapproves of how anyone else looks, that can feel therapeutic.”

If you are interested in compelling interviews with AANR members from diverse backgrounds, income brackets and geographic areas; who have come to the realization that there are no right or wrong, good or bad – just different – bodies, that they can take personal pride, pleasure, and health benefits from at every age, please feel free to contact us as noted below.

As an example, here’s Mitch’s story: “Throughout high school I lost much of my childhood joy as I gained a good amount of weight and felt shame for being so large. I wouldn’t work out much during Physical Education class so I could avoid having to shower with the others afterwards. In college, however, I started taking baby steps toward body acceptance when I would allow myself to lie nude in bed in a beam of sun coming through the window. Interestingly, my college theater department had a hand in helping me as well. I was in a play where I had to make a quick costume change and there was no time for shyness as everyone was in and out of their clothes without batting an eye to get to the next scene. That was when I first realized that some people didn’t care if I was fat or skinny, tall or short. They only cared about who I was, and not what I looked like. This is true of all the folks I’ve met at nudist resorts and campgrounds throughout my adult life.”

I thank you for your consideration of this editorial subject matter on behalf of the American Association of Nude Recreation.

About AANR: For over 90 years AANR has been the preeminent authority and voice in North America, staunchly protecting the freedoms and rights of those who participate in wholesome, family-style nude recreation. Socially, AANR encourages Nakation℠ vacations as healthy, eco-friendly, transformational travel experiences; while AANR’s membership demonstrates conclusively that life is enhanced by the naturalness of social nudity. From exercise to relaxation, a person’s physical, spiritual, and mental well-being is enriched through nude recreation and slumber. AANR supports over 180 chartered clubs, resorts, and campgrounds (and is growing), and serves more than 30,000 members and 52 million skinny dipping enthusiasts throughout the U.S., Canada, and internationally. For more information about AANR and for facts related to nude recreation, visit www.aanr.com or call 1-800-TRY-NUDE (879-6833). To receive information on upcoming news and events, sign up for our newsletter here.

Mary Jane Kolassa, AANR Public Relations Consultant
407/463-0040
MJKolassa@gmail.com