Society's Impact on Fitness

Alisa Valdes always wanted to be a feminist writer but was economically "forced" into being a fitness instructor to pay back her college loans. Valdes discussed the role of women in fitness as a religion. She claims that their everyday life's are geared toward becoming fit, just as devout people use their religious ideals to guide them in everyday life. I agree with Valdes' claim that society's ideal image of women as thin has compelled fitness into a form of religion in recent decades. There is no denying that it is society which is evoking such notions because social rules is practically what guides our actions. Social rules are the primary religion of every person, unless they choose to completely rebel. However, it would be helpful if we treat society's image of women as a given that has been in place for many decades and will probably not change anytime soon regardless of feminists because advertising rules our capitalist economy. Considering this, women may feel compelled to go to the gym, but the act of actually going increases their self-confidence. This is a sad truth, but one that is evident throughout society and especially on Colgate's campus. As we discussed in our last class meeting, many people go to the gym just to say they went to the gym. This sounds almost pathetic, but in the ingrained culture we live in, it does boost self-esteem. That is one positive we can take from this exploiting societal trend.