Gym Bodies: Exploring Fitness Cultures

Drawing on empirical research, Gym Bodies explores the embodied experiences of 'gym goers' and the fitness cultures that are constructed within gyms and fitness spaces. It argues that gym bodies are historically constructed, social, sensual, emotional, and political, and that fitness cultures are profoundly important in shaping the body in wider contemporary culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 16 October 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Drawing on extensive empirical research, this captivating new book delves into the profound and multifaceted embodied experiences of individuals who engage in gym activities and the vibrant fitness cultures that thrive within these spaces. Gym Bodies presents a deeply personal, engaging, and ethnographic exploration of the diverse range of contemporary gym practices, spaces, and cultures, encompassing bodybuilding, CrossFit, and Spinning. It compellingly argues that gym bodies are not merely physical entities but are historically, socially, sensually, emotionally, and politically constructed; that experiences intertwine with multiple embodied identities; and that fitness cultures hold immense significance in shaping the body in broader contemporary culture.

This groundbreaking work is of paramount importance for students, tutors, and researchers actively engaged in the fields of sport and exercise studies, sociology of the body, health studies, leisure, cultural studies, gender and education. It serves as a valuable resource for policy makers and practitioners alike in the domains of sport, leisure, health, and education.

Through its rich and detailed analysis, Gym Bodies sheds light on the intricate interplay between physicality, identity, society, and culture, providing a profound understanding of the ways in which gyms and fitness spaces shape and transform individuals' bodies and lives. It challenges conventional notions of fitness and athleticism, unveiling the complex social, cultural, and political dimensions that underpin these practices.

The book offers a wealth of insights and perspectives, drawing from a wide range of empirical research methodologies, including participant observation, interviews, and surveys. It explores the diverse experiences of gym goers, from the initial motivations and challenges to the transformative effects of regular exercise and the formation of supportive fitness communities.

Furthermore, Gym Bodies examines the role of fitness cultures in shaping societal attitudes towards the body, health, and well-being. It explores how these cultures promote specific body ideals, body image concerns, and the pursuit of physical perfection, and how they contribute to the perpetuation of health disparities and body shaming.

By offering a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, Gym Bodies provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between the body, fitness, and society. It challenges readers to think critically about the ways in which our bodies are shaped by the environments we inhabit and the cultural norms we adhere to. It encourages us to explore new ways of thinking about health, fitness, and well-being, and to advocate for policies and practices that promote body diversity, inclusivity, and equity.

In conclusion, Gym Bodies is a groundbreaking and essential work that sheds light on the embodied experiences of gym goers and the fitness cultures that shape our world. It is a must-read for students, tutors, researchers, policy makers, and practitioners alike, as it offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex and multifaceted relationship between the body, fitness, and society. Through its compelling storytelling and insightful analysis, Gym Bodies empowers us to reimagine our relationship with the body, embrace diversity, and promote a more inclusive and equitable world.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138666269