Getting ‘in’ and ‘out of alignment’: some insights into the cultural imagery of fitness from the perspective of experienced gym adherents

Social Justice Through Sport and Exercise Studies: A Manifesto

“…Our manifesto is grounded in critique of power by which we mean hegemonic or ideological power, “experiences of power and power relations” as David L. Andrews and colleagues conceptualize in their enduring body of research (Andrews & Silk, 2011, p. 8. See also Andrews, 2002, 2008, 2019; Andrews et al, 2013; Newman et al, 2020; Silk et al, 2010). Such studies of power/hegemony can be used to critique (as we attempt to do in this essay) prevalent, taken-for-granted, biased and/or simplistic views (what we term ‘myths’) of sport as serving purely positive function in society.…”

“…Ableism frames images, policy and practices as if all people are "able-bodied" (Campbell, 2009) and portrays a standard of physical being that is not only accepted but expected, and rejects variation from this norm (Wolbring, 2008). In context, the gym sells itself as a space where the toned, esthetic, muscular body can be crafted through hard work and physical labor (Neville & Gorman, 2016). This "fit" body image is reproduced through images, discourse, and the bodies and actions of gym employees (Harvey et al, 2014); those that do not match this image do not "fit" according to ableist gym values (Crossley, 2006).…”

“…Social justice advocates have warned against master narratives of health as such dominant stories exclude and invalidate other ways of being, particularly regarding disabled bodies (Azzarito, 2019). Within the gym, there is an apparent majoritarian storytelling -overt or covert messages promoting hegemonic values - (Mitchell, 2013) that tells a story of musculature, physical esthetic, and ableism (Neville & Gorman, 2016). Communicated through images, advertisements, and other forms of media, this is the first exclusory message that disabled people receive and the first instance of social injustice.…”

Crossing boundaries: The perceived impact of disabled fitness instructors in the gym

“…al., 2016). The toned, strong, perfectly crafted body has become an image deemed to represent this space (Neville & Gorman, 2016); it is an image which is reproduced through ableist discourses in the gym and through the bodies of gym instructors (Harvey, Vacchani & Williams, 2014). As such, although the gym may promote fit bodies, it also marginalizes those that are 'unfit' with regards to not fitting into the gyms perception of good health (Crossley, 2006).…”