By Nicole Lee, Staff Writer
The new year is upon us, and with that means new year’s resolutions. The most common among them being getting into shape. As more people purchase gym memberships and gyms become increasingly crowded, people look to social media for inspiration. Apps such as Instagram and Tik Tok have fueled a surge of bodybuilding and weight lifting that has influenced both men and women to participate in. On Tik Tok, gym related videos have accumulated billions of views, since the short videos allow people instant access to tips and tricks when working out. The gym community has grown fast in recent years due to social media’s influential effects. However, as unhealthy health fads join the mix, the fitness world has created a toxic gym culture.
On social media, it is easy to photoshop curves and muscles onto oneself which advertise fake workout methods. This could include unrealistic workout routines, false health advice, and unsafe diets that are causing many to rethink joining the fitness community. Instagram models flaunt their perfect hourglass figure with small hips and a round butt, when in reality many have been exposed to having body altering surgeries. With most of the adolescent population on these platforms, it is unhealthy and damaging to their body image. It is reported that over half of all children experience body-dissatisfaction and body dysmorphia. With the influx of unrealistic body standards it is likely these statistics will increase.
The changes within a person takes months to see, so many should be celebrated on their journey. But in reality, many just continue to compare themselves to other influencers. Aiden Adeva (12), an avid gym goer, described how he would constantly compare himself to other people, especially when it came to their progress. He continued his statement saying, “I admit it’s hard not to make comparisons, but people need to discover their own bodies and figure out what is right to achieve your own goals.” What many fail to realize is that not everyone’s body is alike, and not all routines will have the same effects. Everyone’s body metabolizes differently and gains muscle at a different rate. Instead of taking one’s time, some instantly rely on eating disorders and even go as far as to taking steroids or harsh supplements, which will only hurt the body. Certain performance enhancing drugs can cause hair loss, acne, mood swings, liver damage, and even cancer. The effects of taking drugs are not worth it, nor is starving yourself to reach a limited amount of calories. Working out is supposed to promote healthy bodies and brains, but toxic gym culture does quite the opposite.
Toxic gym culture can also change the reason many choose to workout in the first place. It is common for people to want to become healthier for the new year, hence the phrase, “New year, new me.” However, people take this too seriously when they strive for the “perfect body.” People tend to become competitive rather than focusing on one’s health and use the gym as a way to compare their appearance to others. Many who are trying to get into fitness commonly complain that gyms are overwhelming and scary, as many newcomers feel they are being looked down upon. Tiffany Huang (12), Mills’ASB Climate and Culture Commissioner, shed light on the struggles she faced in the beginning of her gym journey. “I was putting myself out there and stepping out of my comfort zone in a public gym filled predominantly with older men.” She went on to explain how bigger, more muscular men would watch and critique her form and how she felt like she was being sized up everytime she stepped foot into her local gym. Eventually, with exposure from her peers, Huang was able to create a routine that was right for her and embrace being a part of the minority of women at the gym. However, she hopes others can feel supported and comfortable rather than intimidated when starting their own fitness journey.
Gym culture perpetuates the idea that going to the gym requires one to look the part, meaning you must already be in shape. This can really hurt people as it focuses on their insecurities and creates a discriminatory environment. The gym should be a space for everyone to focus on self-improvement in a healthy way. Social media can be a great tool to learn and experiment with new techniques, but when it becomes a method for body shaming, it becomes extremely damaging.
