The ideal body and beauty perception in the context of gyms and beauty centers

This thesis aims to examine the relationship between the ideal body and body beauty among gym and beauty center users. It is investigated how the factors that have an impact on the development process of ideal body and beautiful body norms shape the body perception of individuals and the impact of aesthetic ideal beauty norms on individuals. The aim of this study is to understand the factors that influence the ideal body image and perceptions of gym and beauty center users; to understand the reasons that lead them to these places and the level of change in their body image as a result of their experiences. The research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 30 customers. In the interviews, participants' ideal body perceptions regarding both their own bodies and the bodies of others were examined based on gender, and it was determined that ideal body perceptions differ according to gender. It was emphasized that the ideal aesthetic norms expected from other individuals show more diversity and that people who possess these norms are more fortunate in social environments. However, the perception of the ideal body and the beautiful body is shaped by the influence of the social environment and the media; the individual's self-perception is shaped through social interactions, and the flawless ideal body images presented in the media have an encouraging effect on individuals. This situation can cause individuals to perceive themselves as inadequate or affect their level of satisfaction with their own bodies. Consequently, individuals turn to body transformation practices with the desire and purpose of changing the features they dislike about themselves. Places focused on improving the body, such as gyms and beauty centers, have become the preferred areas for individuals in this process. The findings of the study provide important information about the themes through which gym and beauty center users' perceptions of the ideal body and body beauty progress. As a result, it has been observed that gym and beauty center users are satisfied with their experiences and that these facilities have positive effects such as self-esteem and feeling good about oneself.