Masuk Free Press

The past two decades have seen a massive increase in gym members. Gen Z has been a huge catalyst, utilizing social media to create trends and gain followers off of the “gymrat” lifestyle. But what type of culture has developed from this push to lift?

Up until 1965, the gym was widely known to be utilized by soldiers looking to better their bodies while serving. However, in ‘65, the first Mr. Olympia contest was held, quickly becoming a global phenomenon. 

With the explosion of bodybuilding throughout the 80s, the public began to see its first gym figures such as Arnold Schwarenegger and Ronnie Coleman. The 20th century had seen the gym turn into an environment where dedicated individuals could push their bodies to the limits in the name of competing. With millions of enthusiasts and a billion dollar industry, the glorification of this environment was one many could look up to. 

Originally receiving recognition with the release of Jane Fonda’s exercise tapes in 1982, aerobics became a popular form of exercise and fitness began to be commercialized. As gyms began to pop up on every street corner, the average Joe began to flood the shiny new buildings to “pump iron” like the professional bodybuilders.

Over the past two decades, working out has soared in popularity for the average person. So, what has caused this shift? A significant factor is the changing mindset towards health and wellness. As more individuals recognize the importance of staying active and looking after their bodies, going to the gym has evolved from aiming for a bodybuilder physique, to feeling good and maintaining health.

However, controversial factors within the gym have arisen as social media has acted as a double-edged sword. It serves as a platform for sharing fitness motivation and connecting like-minded individuals. But it has also fostered a culture of comparison and unrealistic expectations, particularly among Gen Z. 

“I can see how looking online when you go to the gym can definitely be a deterrent,”

said senior Leah Callison. “You see pictures and videos of people with mounds of muscle and you ask yourself if you’ll ever be able to catch up. So motivation can definitely be an issue sometimes.”

When you scroll through Instagram or Tiktok, what catches your eye? Perhaps you have seen the endless posts of curated fitness influencers flaunting their toned abs and flawless figures. While it is inspiring to see the results of what hard work can do, this also creates the illusion that everyone has this body, leading to feelings of inadequacy within the general population.

Dedication and hard work is extremely admirable, especially when it comes to the time and effort many put into the gym. The problem is when people lie about these factors. 

“There was one gym girl I kept seeing who would post Tiktoks with the skinniest waist I’ve ever seen,” said senior Melissa Da Silva. “And then a few weeks later her whole comment section was filled with people exposing her for photoshopping the video, I didn’t even know you could do that to a video.”

Scandal after scandal, many gym influencers have been caught red-handed heavily editing, filtering and painting a picture of what we are supposed to strive for, when they have yet to achieve it themselves. In many cases, this can result in problems such as body image issues, unhealthy eating habits and a lack of confidence.

So how can we address the issue of toxic gym culture? We need to be conscious of the accounts we follow online. Instead of following those that bring us down, follow those that are authentic with their content and are there to inspire others. 

Many “gymfluencers” will preach that it is necessary to push yourself to exhaustion every workout. Instead, be smart with your body. Eat that granola bar before your lift, rest for more than three seconds between sets and don’t workout on a rest day, even though you feel guilty.

“I think the positives outweigh the negatives. The gym can be so good for you physically and mentally, I’m so glad I go,” said Senior Haley Ferris.

Although there are factors that may cause dips in your gym journey, it is crucial to remember why you started. The gym offers a transactional relationship; if you work hard, it will pay off. Most importantly, the gym can be a great environment for personal growth. Who knows, if you have the right dedication and eat enough protein bars, maybe you can be the next Arnold (that’s the goal).