I don't remember taking group showers in middle school or high school. Maybe I blocked it out or maybe I just was so completely non-athletic that it just didn't happen for me. Evidently, it's happening a lot less for teens today for a myriad of reasons, according to this article:

- Less time
- Less sweat (not working out as hard in P.E.)
- More odor covering body product

and

- Obsession with body image.

The last one is the most upsetting. Just listen to these girl jocks from Oregon:

Anna Berne said one of her favorite shows is "America's Top Model," a reality program where contestants compete to be fashion models.

"The girls are already skinny," Berne said. "And the judges tell them they're too fat."

The three Lake Oswego teens, all athletes, said they were confident in their physiques because of their athleticism. None of them, however, was secure enough to shower in public.

After practices, they pull on their sweats and head home to shower.

Sort of related:

Body image number one concern for girls Down Under
Dove's 'Onslaught' campaign and self esteem workshops on 'The Today Show' (thanks Andrea!)

Posted by anastasia