Williams, LindiSpies, RuanNaidoo, Del2020-06-112020-06-112020Williams, L. et al. 2020. Athletic-ideal internalisation: lived experiences of female students. South African journal for research in sport, physical education and recreation, 42(1):95-103. [https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-1d5122b2dc]0379-9069http://hdl.handle.net/10394/34762https://journals.co.za/content/journal/10520/EJC-1d5122b2dchttps://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-1d5122b2dcResearch has shown a clear relationship between the thin-ideal internalisation, disturbed eating and body-related disturbances. With regard to athletic internalisation, the relationship with these outcomes appears to be less detrimental than was found with the thin-ideal. However, minimal research has been done on the lived experiences of individuals subscribing to the athletic-ideal. This qualitative study followed a phenomenological approach to explore the perceptions of nine participants of their athletic-ideal internalisation. Data from semi-structured interviews were analysed through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results indicated a prominent theme of balance with regard to eating and exercise. In this study, it was evident that pursuits of participants of the athletic-ideal body are more focused on health-related goals than on appearance-related ideals. Following the guidelines of a healthy lifestyle and a balanced exercise routine seems to act as protective factors against body image disturbances, maladaptive eating and compulsive exerciseenAthletic-idealBody dissatisfactionEating disturbancesHealthy lifestyleObligatory exerciseThin-idealArticle