Faith, Fitness and Body Image Symposium
Louizandre Dauphin or ‘Louie’ as many call him, has been involved in athletics and fitness as long as he can remember. Whether as an athlete or trainer, his experiences are vast and he’s learned a lot along the way. One thing he’s learned to see is how “effectively the world of fitness…transmits the prevalent and highly destructive messages of dissatisfaction and vanity that currently drive our society.” As Tyndale’s Athletics Director, he takes great issue with this and believes something must be done, “before it’s too late.”
There seems to be a crisis of body image in our society today. Far too many people base their identity on what numbers they see on the scale. Louie brings a refreshing perspective to what he sees is a concerning trend in society. “What I used to tell my clients when I was a trainer is that the number on the scale is only a reminder to you that gravity is still working. Body weight is not an accurate or a reliable indicator of personal health.” Although he admits we are still called to take care of our bodies, he also believes that people come in different shapes and sizes. Speaking out against a profit-driven fitness industry that rejects the diversity of body types in favor of the ‘slim-and-lean prototype,’ Louie states that many fitness businesses who claim to be looking out for our best interests have actually found a way to make money by “playing off the insecurities of people and fostering a sense of insecurity and dissatisfaction with their bodies.”
Louie holds a Master’s Degree in Adolescent Education. He has been Tyndale’s Athletics Director since June 2012. Part of his role here is to teach students about what it means to have a healthy body image; one that is rooted in the Christian faith. Ultimately for Louie, our self-worth should come from the fact that each one of us is “divinely created.” This is what gives us purpose and should direct how we view ourselves and our bodies. For Louie, having a divine purpose “gives us an escape from the many traps we can fall victim to; the most significant traps having to do with our bodies and how we see ourselves.”
This is his message going into the upcoming symposium: Faith, Fitness, Body Image and the Student. The event will include guest speakers and leading experts from the fields of fitness, athletics, psychology and fashion, who will share ideas of how students can let their faith guide and influence how they care for and view their bodies. It will take place on Wednesday, October 16th from 6:30-9:00pm in the Ballyconnor Chapel.
All are welcome!
Contact Louizandre Dauphin, Athletics Director, for more information:
ldauphin [at] tyndale [dot] ca 416-226-6620 x2107