What NOT to Do in the Health And Fitness Industry

 It may seem odd that we, a fitness firm, are attacking the fitness sector, but Rabble was created because there are many issues with the sector and little is being done to fix them.

It is certainly perplexing that the exercise industry is prepared to do so little to understand why such a small fraction of the population uses their product at a time when obesity is a major concern. If you think of fitness centers and classes as products, you might assume that they were created to draw in customers and keep them interested. It has become commonplace to accuse folks who don't exercise of being lazy people.

Since many years ago, our country's health has been declining; obesity is at an all-time high, and fitness levels are at an all-time low as our "busy" lifestyles become more centered on convenience and tormented by the pressure that has few outlets. Yet exercise, a natural relaxant that stimulates endorphins, is still not emphasized as a means to improve our happiness. The Victorians popularised the idea of leisure time as enjoyable non-working time; but, in today's society, leisure facilities like gyms are hardly ever seen as enjoyable ways to spend time.

1. It is a myth that no pain = no gain.

Anything you do is always preferable to nothing. In fact, maintaining consistency is essential. Making a tiny effort every day is more better for your long-term health than trying to commit suicide once a month when you have the will and the courage, then giving up after a few months. Your lifestyle must allow for exercise. 

The prevalent "all or nothing" approach is extremely harmful and completely unsustainable over the long run. When the sole goal of an exercise session is to get it over with, workouts turn into something to dread. Pushing individuals to the point of no return in fitness courses is not pleasurable. And it will be because of that terror that your dictatorship will soon come to an end. Although it can temporarily make you feel good, the smug, virtuous glow that comes with sore muscles and a sweat-drenched brow can be harmful if you're not used to it. The only feeling you'll experience instead of the glow will be the crushing shame of your inferiority in being unable to keep up with the regular repetitious iron pumpers, God forbid that one of us poor mortals should inadvertently stroll into a class full of hard-bodied gym bunnies.

2. It's mind-numbing.

Why do individuals pay for a negative experience? When you're using every tool at your disposal (music, TVs, etc.) to divert yourself from your boring gym workout, that's not a good sign. Additionally, it's not a good sign if you try to fit in your exercise so that it doesn't interfere with the things you really want to accomplish. For the majority of workouts, thinking is not necessary. This gives you plenty of time to consider how uncomfortable you are and how many seconds are left in the workout. The exercises are extremely repetitive and frequently target a single group of muscles, frequently muscles that serve no useful use in daily living. It's dull. Many people claim to love their workouts, but few can really elaborate on what they liked about them; most instead concentrate on how they feel afterward. It's depressing to admit that the best part of an experience is that it comes to an end. We are talking about your life; those seconds are not refundable. Instructors frequently count down reps and seconds as they encourage players to concentrate on the finish line. Some individuals even do it daily. 

It's difficult not to feel sad for these folks since they constantly desire that part of their priceless lives will end sooner. Life is too short, and these fitness goods are subpar, to be honest. Ironically, exercise is rarely regarded as... enjoyable in the profession. Look at children. They constantly engage in physical activity with their friends, spurred on more by pure delight and excitement than by social obligations about appearance and well-being. The strongest activity motivator is play, which means that if you enjoy something you will keep doing it. You can still enjoy your workout!

3. It’s bad for your health.

It's detrimental to your mental health and well-being to constantly feel guilty for not going to the gym, for not working out hard enough, for not looking as good or being as strong as the other gym goers, for being slower or heavier than you used to be, and for being subjected to demoralizing messages about the "perfect" appearance. Fitness facilities should encourage you to visit for yourself, for your own happiness, and should consider it a failing of their product if you don't. If so, they should adjust their strategy to make you want to visit again.

Unfortunately, this isn't the case right now, but if you want to attempt exercising without feeling under pressure, why not try looking for some enjoyable, casual team games to get your heart pumping? Team games are ideal for leisurely, enjoyable exercise since they still have the potential to be a regular workout but have less rigid aims and objectives. This keeps you healthy and gives you the social benefits of exercising with friends. Additionally, they don't attach you to exact, bothersome statistics and numbers each time you appear.

4. The social exercise options the industry promotes are awkward and lonely.

It's odd that people choose group classes but never interact with other students and don't know anything about them despite seeing the same faces every week. Regular gym instructors rarely know students' names (and, in the worst situations, don't even acknowledge them! ), which undoubtedly makes students feel irrelevant and devalued. Because having genuine friends in your fitness class provides you another, real reason to show up, exercise classes and sports that have created a social group around them have substantially higher retention rates than those that are isolating.

5. The messaging of the fitness industry is deeply, uselessly negative, and often offensive.

Get your beach body!', 'Fit into your birthday suit!', and 'Overindulged this Easter?' are just a few of the fitness industry's catchphrases that actively promote guilt or inadequacy in today's society. They provide the impression that you are either not good enough or that your actions warrant punishment. Additionally, they provide the impression that their product offers a miraculous, quick-fix answer to your issue. The only outcomes of an excessively managed or unrestrained lifestyle that they ever concentrate on are the extremes. What about the rest of us, those who are moving forward in a positive, consistent, and lasting way? Underrated is normal. Being healthy is wonderful; be grateful for that!

Conclusion

Fortunately, the industry has recently seen some beneficial changes. Even if most workouts are still monotonous and repetitive, there is a growing emphasis on the usefulness of the strength developed. Try something like Parcours, where you can gain strength while also learning some incredible skills. Additionally, cardiac exercises, which are the most crucial fitness element for long-term health, have received increased attention.

The #thisgirlcan campaign was a welcome change in mentality since it challenged the elite, combative mindset with humor, relatability, and inspiration. It connected with a lot of women and inspired 150,000 people to join in! In terms of expectations, there has also been a shift in thinking; it is now commonplace to see individuals rushing to work, leaving for lunch, and playing sports after work. At Rabble, we are passionate about living a happy, healthy life. We play games to stay in shape, and every month, we witness many people who had never been active before improving their health. The fitness industry should take a cue from us and do the same. Let's resume playing!