Glow Down, Glow Ups
March 22, 2021
By Chloe Pullman
Podcast Editor
For so many of us, this past year has been very strange, overwhelming, and full of change. Our lives came to an abrupt pause and we were suddenly forced to sit with ourselves and our never ending cycle of thoughts. This time has caused a lot of people to look at themselves in a way they haven’t before. This year the term “glow up” has been used more than ever. Urban dictionary defines glow up as “an incredible transformation,” or “to go from the bottom to the top to the point of disbelief.” People who become more “attractive” gain a lot of attention on platforms like Tik Tok. The COVID-19 lockdown resulted in a surplus of exercise equipment purchases, online challenges and routines, and diets.
Exercise is a healthy way to move around while we are at home, and is something that is mostly encouraged for everyone. Although exercise is a great thing to do and keeps you healthy, there is a line that has to be drawn between healthy exercise, and a promise that if someone exercises everyday they will turn into a new person in two weeks. The pressure to “glow up” and become an unrecognizable person when quarantine is over can be very damaging to one’s self esteem.
When looking up the word “glow up” the most popular related searches are, “how can I instantly glow up?”, “how do I become pretty?”, and “what age do you normally glow up?” Yes, exercise is a fantastic thing but only if you are realistic about your expectations and are doing it for yourself not for the approval of someone else.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHLOE PULLMAN
Chloe Pullman sits at the computer obsessing over her self-image, the photo symbolizes the dangers of glow-ups.
So many popular workouts circling the web at the moment such as Chloe Ting’s “Get ABS in 2 weeks!” The video, which currently has over 3 million views, is not exactly realistic for many people. Doing this workout can be good for your body if done correctly, but will probably not give you abs in two weeks unless you are also on a strict diet and also exercising literally day and night in addition to these videos. If you don’t get abs in two weeks while following this video, viewers may understandably feel defeated and no longer motivated. A comment on Ting’s video that stood out to me was, “who else is doing this workout and trying to get skinny now because they failed the first quarantine?” This kind of thinking is very self deprecating. You simply cannot fail a quarantine, and those who feel the pressure to change their bodies or lives are receiving the wrong message.
The most important thing to keep in mind during lockdown is to keep yourself and those around you safe. Just because the world is changing fast, does not mean you have to change. The standards being shown to all ages all over social media aren’t real, and for the most part are unattainable. “Glowing up” is not important. The only thing that matters is making yourself comfortable in whatever way feels best for you.
Olivia Grageda • Apr 1, 2021 at 12:57 pm
In Issue 7 (March 22, 2021), Chloe Pullman wrote an article in the school newspaper titled “Glow downs, Glow ups”. I absolutely love how she brought this out in the open about how over quarantine, lots of people tried out this video to “get abs in two weeks”among other workouts with beautifully designed thumbnails and guaranteeing results for changed body features. I myself have tried the workout and didn’t get any results either so It was nice to know that I wasn’t alone in feeling unmotivated. Pullman wrote in her article that “Yes, exercise is a fantastic thing but only if you are realistic about your expectations and are doing it for yourself not for the approval of someone else.” She put it perfectly into words in a way that tells readers that they don’t have to look a certain way to catch the eye of the public or gain popularity on social media platforms. She states that “Though the world is changing does not mean you also have to change”. Us teens put our outward appearance at a high standard and so I agree that staying active and healthy is the way we should approach workouts because glowing up is not important as opposed to our health. The fact that Pullman addresses this situation shows how aware she is and how this matter has affected her own life, making her want to share her thoughts on this with others. She wrote this perfectly and there could not be any improvements to better this article in my opinion!
Sincerely,
Olivia Grageda, Grade 11
Londyn Phillip • Apr 1, 2021 at 12:11 pm
In Issue 7 (March 22, 2021), Chloe Pullman wrote an article titled “Glow Down, Glow Ups”. I found this article to be incredibly interesting, and brought up several points I think are deserving of discussions. I found the idea of a “glow up” to be brought up frequently during quarantine. I myself had plans of trying to spend the majority of my time trying to better myself physically. I would work out daily, and tried to find my own personal style and taste. But I found, and I think a lot of young women especially felt similarly, that it was impossible to do anything without the desire to compare myself to others. I think there’s a lot of wishful thinking we do in these situations, situations where we find ourselves staring blankly at figures, praying we’ll end up looking like them in the end. However, as Pullman brings up, the plan to “glow up” should be done for you and no one else. At the end of the day, each and every one of us is our own unique and individual being, and it is impossible to press copy and paste from another person onto yourself. I think there’s a lot of toxicity surrounding the idea that people have to overdo and overexert in order to gain results. There are so many factors that add up to a happy and healthy self, which I think is an idea so many fail to remember. Pullman also brings up the point that most of these standards we desire to achieve are completely fabricated and impossible to reach. It is necessary that we as a society begin weakening the strength of these standards set up that we will only fail to achieve.
Karly Vicente-Barrios • Apr 1, 2021 at 10:18 am
In Issue 7 (March 22, 2021), Chloe Pullman published an article on “Glow down, Glow Ups.” In this article, Chloe explains how people during this quarantine have been trying to change their image by “glowing up” and changing their entire appearance to look “attractive”. As Chloe mentions in her article people that are seen as beautiful “gain a lot of attention on platforms like Tik Tok” which can also change a teenager’s or a young adult’s mind and mental health. This article explained how “glowing up” affects people’s minds very clearly and how it is okay to keep the mindset of changing but not for other people but yourself and your good. I completely agree with this statement and people putting this out through social media allows children to view this which can be bad for kids growing up with the perspective of how bodies are supposed to be. Doing exercise is healthy, as mentioned in the article, but can also be damaging, I admire the fact that Chloe put a notice about this in the Corydon for others to read and to also think how some things aren’t what they seem.
Camily Flores • Mar 31, 2021 at 11:46 pm
March 31, 2021
Dear Corydon Editor,
In Issue 7 (March 22, 2021) Chloe Pullman wrote an article titled “Glow down, Glow ups”. In the article Chloe explains the negatives of promoting a “glow up”. I’ve noticed that the term “glow up” has been used a lot, especially through social media platforms. I think exercise can be a very healthy thing if you’re only doing it for yourself. A lot of people get lost in this idea of approval and it only leads to disappointment and ultimately a very unhealthy lifestyle.
Everybody is different. We’re wired differently, so what may work for someone else may not work for you and vise versa. COVID has brought a lot of good and bad to our community. Over the years, our society has formed this beauty standard that’s looked up to. People have become less confident and more insecure because of this ideal. I think that videos promoting false hope such as Chloe Ting’s “Get ABS in 2 Weeks!” can be very detrimental to our society. If expectations are not met, loss of motivation follows. I think it’s very unrealistic for our bodies to completely transform in a span of two weeks. Since COVID, I’ve noticed that people have been so hard on themselves and it’s sad to see others not accept themselves and their bodies. Of course, like everything else, appearances may matter but it’s not the only thing that matters. What’s important is that you discover self-love and focus on being happy with yourself.
Sincerely,
Camily Flores, Grade 12
Krystal Loomis • Mar 31, 2021 at 2:37 pm
March 31, 2021
Dear Corydon Editor,
In Issue 7 (March 22, 2021), Chloe Pullman wrote an article called “Glow Down, Glow Ups”. This article talks about how quarantine has affected many people and their physical and mental health. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many teens are searching for ways to “glow up”, in which Pullman describes as “an incredible transformation”. Through this, we are harming our bodies in thinking we can change in short periods of time. I think this is a very important topic to discuss and address because we all struggle with self esteem and constantly do things to try and meet the “beauty standards” of society. We are always under the pressure of having to look a certain way due to social media platforms and due to this, people will find anyway they can to try and change that. Pullman does an amazing job at talking about the expectations of a teenager during this hard time and goes on about self-image through her photo attached to the article. This photo depicts self-image as being one of the dangers to glow ups. Even comparing our own image to others or to ourselves is harmful. I think it is important for this issue to be addressed to our Millikan students because you never know what goes on in peoples head and it is important to take care of yourself rather than compare yourself.
Sincerely,
Krystal Loomis, Grade 11
Savanna Alba • Mar 31, 2021 at 12:34 pm
March 31, 2021
Dear Corydon Editor,
In Issue 7 (March 22, 2021) Chloe Pullman wrote an article called “Glow down, Glow ups”. In this article Chloe does a great job at addressing the problems with the term “Glow Up”. I agree that it can be a very unrealistic thing to achieve because everyone’s body is different and certain workouts or diets affect others in different ways. Chloe brings up how people who seem to have the best “Glow Ups” receive praise on different social media platforms, one of them being tik tok. Pullman does a great job at realizing that these standards can be really bad for others’ mental health. It instills unhealthy habits in their brain and it can get dangerous from there. Now that states are starting to open up more and more, especially California, I feel like it will put more pressure on others to look a certain way when we are allowed to go out more. This can lead to people taking more serious measures in their appearance which can result in a very bad way. I feel that it is best to just love yourself in your own skin and not worry about the beauty standards or the new workout routine that will supposedly make you skinny. If you worry about your success and achievements these little things won’t bother you anymore.
Sincerely,
Savanna Alba, Grade 12
Audry Lopez • Mar 31, 2021 at 12:09 pm
March 31, 2021
Dear Corydon Editor,
In Issue 7 (March 22, 2021),Chloe Pullman published an article on “Glow down, Glow Ups.” Her article explains how covid-19 has made a big impact on many people’s health and how many athletes have lost their local gyms because of the pandemic. This article was very informative and interesting to read because this free workout program has been on many social media platforms spreading helping those who want to get that summer body in or just want to feel good in their own skin. In addition, as we all know all of our bodies are different and these “standards” being made are all false and fake. This program has lifted up so many spirits and has helped and supported many in various ways. Nowadays, all people care about is being “perfect” and that is honestly impossible to be because every single one of us are different and unique in our own way. I think the most important thing is to accept and love yourself for who you are. If a person is doing a significant change like exercising constantly, they should do it for themselves and not for anyone else.Therefore, thank you Chloe for making many people feel safe, motivating others, and for giving that extra courage of confidence that we’re all beautiful and to make healthy and promising decisions without mind, body, and soul when it comes to our own wants and needs.
Sincerely,
Audry Lopez, Grade 12
Maya Romo • Mar 31, 2021 at 10:15 am
Dear Corydon Editor,
Pullman does an excellent job discussing serious topics like deteriorating self-image and mental health of teens over quarantine, which is very relevant to everyday life. I enjoy how she breaks down the unrealistic expectations and pressure that come with the phrase “Glow Up” because it has become such a staple in the vocabulary of any teen. Pullman then talks about why this phrase is becoming so popular now as it spreads through social media. The impact of this discussion helps anyone reading the piece understand why it means so much to teens to “Glow Up,” especially in lockdown. Another highlight of the article is Pullman’s choice to talk about and include pictures of her own struggle with self-image. While being a very brief part of the article, the photo and caption that accompany it pack the most punch in the entire piece. By including their issues with their image, Pullman makes the piece truly relatable to the reader in a way that few authors are able to do. I find it interesting that the topic of exercising takes a back seat to the true issues of self-esteem, self-worth, and value that make the writing that much more profound. I thank and congratulate Pullman for writing an article that truly captures the feelings of many teens right now and ends on a hopeful message of reaching goals “in whatever way feels best for you”.
Sincerely,
Maya Romo, Grade 11
Violeta Martinez • Mar 31, 2021 at 8:49 am
March 31, 2021
Dear Corydon Editor,
In Issue 7 (March 22, 2021), Chloe Pullman published an article on “Glow down, Glow Ups.” This was such an informative article where she provided so much detailed information about healthy exercise and how our generation can be like as of today. Yes, I agree that this past year has been a new change for all of us, some people manage to keep themselves entertained by exercising. Being healthy is so important especially during a pandemic, and many people take advantage by working out. Like the term, she said “glow up” is commonly used nowadays and many teenage girls aspire to have a transformation immediately. The reference she made towards “Chloe Ting’s Ab Workout” is such a great example. People expect to have abs instantly and are disappointed by the outcome of the video. The comments can sometimes be demonstrated in a negative way and bring other people down. Nowadays some people only care about others’ looks and platforms such as Tik Tok or Instagram can make people want to look like other “influencers.” I think the most important thing is to accept and love yourself for who you are. If a person is doing a significant change like exercising constantly, they should do it for themselves and not for anyone else.
Sincerely,
Violeta Martinez, Grade 12
Natalia Vega • Mar 31, 2021 at 8:22 am
March 31, 2021
Dear Corydon Editor,
In Issue 7 (March 22, 2021) Chloe Pullman wrote an article called “Glow down, Glow ups”. Her article explains the ways covid-19 and how it is reprimanding us from our social life. We’ve been so much more in tune with our thoughts now but with that comes the exertion of overthinking and obsessing over our body image and self-reflection. All of the things Chloe mentioned tie into a lot of the themes many of us went through during awful months stuck at home.
As we see more exciting news about how we are limiting the numbers and cases and stockpiling on vaccines we see that light at the end of the tunnel peaking through which nevertheless leads us to the commencement of summer but what does that lead us to? Every single one of the things Chloe mentioned in her article. There is so much pressure put on oneself to instantly transform yourself into a brand new person overnight. I think it’s a universal thought for someone to want to feel good about themselves. To be comfortable and confident in the body we have and the personalities we hold. But to make sure we are doing it for us and no one else, not depriving ourselves of indulging in something sweet or strictly and consistently exercising to achieve that “dream body”. The construct for Beauty Standards and what we see as a “glow-up” isn’t at all what it’s perceived as. So thank you Chloe for making me feel safe and just giving me this boost of confidence that we’re all beautiful and to make healthy and promising decisions without mind, body, and soul when it comes to our own wants and needs.
Sincerely,
Natalia Vega, Grade 12
Kyla Picconi • Mar 31, 2021 at 8:19 am
In issue 7, March 22, 2021 Chloe Pullman wrote an article called “Glow Down, Glow Ups”. I believe this was a great article to publish because many people overlook students’ mental health and especially during times like this. Many students have let themselves go and are no longer happy with their appearance. When she talks about Chloe Tings video she states that it is “unrealistic” because it is. Everyone’s bodies are different and it is setting standards that if you can’t do it you are a failure or weak. With times like this many people took the workout route while people like myself took it as a vacation which is okay. We need to learn to stop putting so much pressure on ourselves due to physical appearance. As Chloe states in her article “The standards being shown to all ages all over social media aren’t real, and for the most part are unattainable. “Glowing up” is not important.” I think this is something everyone should live by because at the end of the day the only person you are making happy is yourself and if you are changing for someone else you should question why that person is in your life.
Sincerely,
Kyla Picconi, Grade 12