Can we talk about the elephant in the room?

I want to preface this by saying I support all women and their pursuit of self actualization, whether that be through fitness, sexuality, or whatever it is that makes you happy. I am very opposed to slut shaming of any kind, or women feeling like they have to compete for some heteronormative idea of “sexy”

But I want to talk about the elephant in the room. I can’t be the only one who has noticed the rampant oversexualization of women’s fitness. From cat calling in the streets while on a run to sexually enticing workout videos on IG and YouTube that blur the line between workout inspiration or instruction and soft core porn (and I watch porn, and yes I watch the corny gym story porn, and lately it’s been eerily similar to some IG influencer videos I’ve since had to unfollow bc they’re not SFW.)

On one hand, if someone is feeling themselves and want to feel sexy and strong, I support it. On the other, the sexiness is increasingly relegated to the male gaze, that is, constant butt shots/workouts, oddly hi fashion workout outfits (halter top bodysuits??), LASHES on in the gym (but wait don’t get me wrong I wear the days makeup in the gym after work but it’s smudged and not so fresh), and angles that seem to emphasize the view the male follower base would like to see which is not always conducive to actually seeing the workout

Not to mention some of these workouts I see are essentially counter intuitive, dangerous, bad form, or just plain not effective, although I’ll admit both women and men are guilty of this on both YouTube and Instagram because constant new content with amazing wacky new workout movements gets you followers and more views. So I get it

Not only this, but the less “sexy” body types, that is women who have dedicated years of their life to their sport or hobby but don’t have a fat transfer booty, or big tits, or a cute face, don’t get nearly as much recognition when they are often times more strong and more knowledgeable and more positive than the influencers with thousands of followers whose videos, I’m sorry to say, often leave me wanting in terms of form, overall fitness, and content.

But I can’t be the only one who is feeling like women’s fitness is becoming less about managing your hormonal profile, lowering your triglycerides, promoting healthy eating habits and self image, and MORE about getting a huge ass (my username suggests I like big butts, I do but I like clear arteries more), being “hot”, or having yet and still another idealized unattainable body standard to adhere to in the name of “fitness”. Women’s fitness is about “getting that pre baby body”, but I never see videos of men getting that “pre dad body”. Why is that?

And where is the uplifting and positivity in saying things like “no excuses” or “be the person you were too lazy to be yesterday”. Like really think about it. It may seem like “tough love” but is that really how we should talk to ourselves about our fitness journey? That child rearing is an “excuse”? That skipping a healthy meal to celebrate with family at the local pizza joint is “being lazy”. If it’s so inspiring, then why are so many women demoralized by the image the fitness industry in increasingly creating?

I just want to know I’m not the only one who notices this

submitted by /u/glutesglutesglutes to r/xxfitness
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