Made some observations today about health and fitness as I worked out at my neighborhood gym. Having belonged to the same fitness center for several decades, I've noticed some trends. First of all fitness is a way of life, a philosophy for some people. And whether or not they are healthier or have leaner, tighter bodies is beside the point. Some of the die-hard spa people look like they did some 26 years ago when I signed on the dotted line, the frontal pouch and the junk in the trunk still abides, yet they're attendance at the "spa" has not changed. They actually work out--treadmill, elliptical, yoga, pilates--they try it all. But their results are questionable from everybody's point of view. For many in this crowd it's a social outlet-they visit more than sweat.
Secondly, the personal trainers are not held to a "model physique" standard as they were when personal training became a fad. The sculptured body of the trainer was the selling point since the price to train with an expert was exorbitant.
Thirdly,complimentary fitness support and customer service has gone the way of the grave--it is dead and buried. Do an exercise wrong after the initial introduction to gym services--too bad, you're on your own.
So the true'gym rats" the ones who understand anatomy and the rules of true health and fitness can be observed giving free unsolicited support. (Interestingly enough the gym workers have from time to time hassled them) They are mostly 'old school' gentlemen who open the door for you, and help you on or off a machine. They can be found huddled together on the free weights, spotting for each other and inviting and respectfully encouraging the ladies, like me at times, who want a challenging workout. Today's workout, a good one, was in honor of them.
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your second observation really resonates for a few reasons. firstly, i was just talking to a friend of mine about this who happens to be a personal trainer and it seems to be a bit of a contradiction. i'm sure i'm wrong on some level for saying this, but why would someone want to take fitness advice from someone who appears not to be fit? likewise, considering the job i do, in what ways might i be in danger of slipping into the same situation as teachers appraise me while i work with them? how do i embody 'teaching fitness' while i apply my craft? at what points do i run the risk of not appearing educatoinally fit? and like our overly-fit brethren at the gym, at what point is fit, too fit? good post, thanks.
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