New fitness culture: 6 ways in which it triggers 'body shaming'

Recent studies have mentioned that body dissatisfaction arising due to this shaming is triggered by a very big fitness obsession in people. Know how it happens. by Leona Merlin Antony

New fitness culture: 6 ways in which it triggers 'body shaming'

Body shaming is the act of humiliating people for their bodily features. We all have been part of this tradition knowingly and unknowingly. While fat shaming is the more popular term in this category, people are also shamed for their lean looks and body structure. 

Here are some ways in which body shaming is triggered:

1. Unrealistic Beauty Standards
The standardised beauty that we all look up to is always connected to a healthy and fit body. This unrealistic beauty standard prevalent in society forces us to shame ourselves and others for the natural being of our bodies. 

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2. Effect of social media
Social Media plays a huge part in increasing unrealistic fitness goals. What is to be understood is that what we see on social media is only the tip of the iceberg. Celebrities and social media users only showcase one aspect of their life in which they can be in a better fitness condition. 

3. Fitness Culture
Ragan Chastain recently set the Guinness World Record for the heaviest women to complete a marathon. While she was interviewed, she said that she wanted to set out an example of “what larger people can do”. The fitness culture has made it a practice to exclude people who do not fit into “their category” of body expectations.

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4. Fitness goals
The #fitnessgoals always leads us to a page of hourglass, sharp curves, and well-toned pictures. It is in a way body shaming in disguise. The more emphasis you give your looks for a better fitness life, the more your body goes through pain. 

5. Looks and Fitness
As mentioned before, having a fit body is connected to being a gym rat. Most of the people who go to gyms have an idea about what their workout should be like according to their health conditions. Several cardiac arrests have been reported to be the reason for the sudden deaths of gym-goers recently. Therefore, it is vital to be critical about the lifestyle choices that you adopt.