Thinking of exercise trends that were a little far-fetched brings to mind Olivia Newton-John’s timeless hit, Physical. The eighties saw the birth of jazzercize which Olivia showcased in her music video, dressed in hot pink tights and neon blue leg warmers. The verdict was unanimous, she looked fabulous.
Despite Olivia’s iconic look, sweatbands and legwarmers are a rare sight in 2024, having been replaced by modern trends, practicality, and convenience. But in comparing exercise trends from forty years ago to what we see in gyms today, is it possible that along with the novelty of fitness clothing, working out has lost its sense of fun and enjoyment completely?
My first taste of “toxic gym culture” was from my friends who declined every time I asked if they wanted to go to the gym. When I asked them why, they said they didn’t know how to use the equipment and were too worried about embarrassing themselves.
Then it was viral videos online shaming people who used gym equipment incorrectly.
On top of that, I heard my friends comparing how they look and their fitness levels with others. This heightened self-awareness and insecurity is one of the many wonderful things we have to thank social media for.
People now think they need to look or act a certain way or in order to fit in and therefor be happy. Exercise is seen as a tool only to change oneself physically, not out of fun, but out of necessity. This only creates a negative spiral of self-deprecation.
It’s hard to escape these thoughts and feelings when you start training at a gym. In fact, I would say that it is almost a guaranteed part of the experience. Like all newbies, I knew there were things I needed to learn before I showed up to my gym adorned in the finest eighties fitness regalia without any clue how to use the machines (all the gear and no idea, as they say).
It is a little scary to learn something new, especially where stigma and trends are involved, but it’s also never not worth it.
The first suggestion I have would be to figure out why you want to work out.
It’s important to distinguish the activity as something you do out of self-love and not self-hate.
Exercise, besides being great for physical health, releases endorphins and boosts serotonin levels which are all the feel-good chemicals inside your brain. What could be a better reason to join a gym than to simply feel good?
Initially, it helps to find someone who can show you how the machines work and how to create a program suitable for you. This could be a professional, or someone you know.
Often the gym staff are more than happy to explain the machines. There is also a lot of good information about gym programs to be found online and on social media.
Fernwood fitness is a female-only gym that has clubs all over Australia. It was started by Diana Williams who wanted to create a space for women to exercise with confidence.
Fernwood is an example of how for every toxic gym personality, there are hundreds of gym goers who want to be a part of a supportive community where being new is welcomed and encouraged.
At the end of the day all gym goers are there create a better version of themselves, and that is something to be celebrated.