Login:

Search blogs:

---

Are gyms to blame for promoting body image ideals? Health, Diet and Fitness Today - 13/01/10

Posted: 13/01/2010 at 08:35pm by Rich Leigh, founder of Fat Free Fitness

According to a study of just over 1000 adults by ‘activity for health’ charity Central YMCA, three quarters of people think that gyms should do more to attract people with a wider range of body shapes and sizes, and a surprising 85% blame the fitness industry for promoting body image ideals.

Further stats from the press release show that 7 in 10 people think that gyms and the people who use them can be intimidating, and two-fifths say if instructors looked more like them they would be more likely to go.

I personally believe that the fitness industry is in a constant battle with the media and the world of celebrity. We’re regularly putting out fires the press deliberately light in order to spark the controversy needed to jump out from the newsstand, so I deny the fact that the fitness industry is to blame for promotion of body ideals. Show me a personal trainer who says it’s OK to yo-yo diet simply because the latest D-list celebrity does, and I’ll show you an interview with Katie Price worth listening to or reading.

As for the 42% who say they’re more likely to go to gyms if the fitness professionals look ‘more like them’, I’d like to say that as fitness professionals, I feel that it’s our duty to promote the healthy ideal – which means to me that we’re not endorsing extremes of obesity nor ultra-perfection. I also ask: what do ‘they’ look like? Overweight? If that’s the case, we’ve been taught that to be overweight is to be unhealthy. I wouldn’t do what I do if this was all about aesthetics.

I can understand that potential members may feel more comfortable with somebody who looks ‘more like them’ as the YMCA reported, but think that class instructors, gym instructors and personal trainers have a responsibility to practise what they preach – would you listen to somebody telling you not to smoke if they had a fag in their hand?

I can also understand how gyms, leisure centres and health clubs can seem intimidating to start off with, but then so does school when you first start. You can’t refuse to go simply because the teachers may initially know more than you, otherwise you’d miss out on a whole world of learning.

In short, I’m saying that I can see how some people would be uncomfortable with great hulking, lycra-clad trainers barking orders at them through their initial consultation in-between swigs of ‘Bulk Me Up’. I suggest that gyms recruit sensibly with their target clientele in mind.

I however do think that this can’t be an excuse or barrier to a healthy lifestyle, as it’s all too easy to blame the fitness industry for promoting body image ideals, without taking responsibility for yourself first.

Readers, it’d be great to get your thoughts on this, as we’ve actually been approached by Workout magazine, the UK’s leading fitness industry magazine for comments from readers on this very topic that they will publish, alongside your name. If you don’t wish for your comment to be published, please say ‘don’t publish’ within your comment.

Read the latest issue of Workout magazine online, for free, here.


Are gyms themselves to blame for low member rates?

Add Comment View Comments

Comments

---

I think its often a problem people don't really know what they want from there gym, and therefore don't find a gym that actually suits them. This then leads to the problems mentioned. Working out of Fitness First, I can say they yes we do have a few body builders. but about 90% of our members are every day users there for health or shape reasons, and just trying to lose a little weight. However if I was to go to Golds around the corner, that would be a very different story. It can however be the case that the serious users are the ones most noticed, which is where the misconception may come from. As for the staff, I don't see how you can have staff who are obviously not practicing what they are coaching. As an ex rugby player, it is true that I am not a small guy, however I make it clear that my specialities lay in kettlebells and functional training, and my training style is based around high intensity training. Within the same gym we have trainers with a background in racquet sports, gymnastics, sprinting, hockey, swimming, and the list goes on. This means we have trainers of all sizes, body compositions, and training styles. It is therefore important, before signing on the dotted line, to find out the background of the trainers in your gym, and find out if there will be someone suited to you. At the end of the day, would you learn to drive from the instructor who is professional and looks/acts the part, or the instructor with 6 points for speeding? The instructor with the 6 points may be more relaxed, and be less strict in the lessons, but are they really going to get you to your goals?

Posted by: Paul Harrison, 14/01/2010 at 01:19am

---

I think we, as trainers are supposed to be setting an example. I for one practise what I preach and I am in great shape and eat well. People come to me for training because I am in such great shape. If I was not a trainer, I would never go to a trainer who is overweight and out of shape. That may sound shallow to some people, but to me that makes me think that an out of shape trainer does not care about themselves so why would they care about my needs? There are too many excuses out there for people to not get in shape and this reason of too many fit people at your local gym is a very poor excuse. People who go to the gym are there to get into shape. When I see someone busting their butts to get into shape, I have a lot of respect for them for choosing a healthier lifestyle.

Posted by: Angelique, 14/01/2010 at 06:32am

---

A trainer really can't win where the general public is concerned. A ripped trainer is 'intimidating', while a soft one is 'unqualified to offer advice' (as per his/her personal image). To say that gyms are 'to blame' is just ridiculous as far as I'm concerned.

Posted by: Corey Springer, 14/01/2010 at 06:39am

---

Hi guys, really appreciate your comments! I particularly agree that it's difficult for trainers to win in this scenario, and feel that people will often find a reason they don't wish to train if they're not committed.

Posted by: Rich Leigh, 14/01/2010 at 07:29am

---

^^np Rich. I tweeted it on my "NarkSide" account... cus I believe this issue should have more views/replies. Would you mind if I re-posted the article (in part) on the NarkSide forum, with a backlink to this page? I'm pretty sure some of my members will check it out, and chime in. -C

Posted by: Corey Springer, 14/01/2010 at 09:21am

---

On behalf of Workout, many thanks for your comments. As the first people to offer your opinions, you will be featured in our February issue, available to read online from the beginning of next month. Look out for more opportunities to put forward your views in Workout!

Posted by: Mary Ferguson, 14/01/2010 at 09:36am

---

Add a Comment

Name: *
Email: *
Website:
Message: *
Enter the security code: *

Newsletter Signup

Sign Up For Free Tips & Advice

Enter your e-mail address:

Top 5 Blogs

Guest post - Why do we overeat? Includes tips on how to beat it!

Guest post: Male fitness cover-model David White gives his diet alternatives!

Rich gives guest interview to online fitness magazine finalfitness.co.uk

Real life story - How Fitness Changed My Life

Good news: a big bum = healthy! Health, Diet and Fitness Today - 12/01/10

Have you read these?

Did you win our Nintendo DSi and the Biggest Loser videogame competition?

Five ways to make exercising without a gym work for you

Quarter of women have used diet pills

10 fitness and weight loss peeps on Twitter you should follow!

Guest post - Why do we overeat? Includes tips on how to beat it!

Fat Free Fitness Weight Loss