I read this fantastic article (of which I will post later either here or on my website, link in the sidebar) about why the fitness industry is failing. It isn't talking so much in a literal sense, exercise will never go away, it's how we stay healthy for a long time. How it is failing is it is only reaching out to a very small portion of the population. That is why we have such a ghastly obesity epidemic happening right here in the U.S. Obviously if it was working, we wouldn't have these issues. The problem isn't a lack of information. God knows there is SO MUCH STUFF out there to read and get confused and reread and change your opinion on exercises to start doing and stop doing and stop stretching before you workout do it after always include core work neutral spine knees behind toes eat a balanced diet make it colorful don't eat fat wait yes fat it is good for you eat good fats what are good fats omega-3s eat lots of protein women start working out like men stop lifting light and long hold on start doing it again it might still be good for you. STOP!!!!!! GASP GASP. You get my point. It's ridiculous how much conflicting information is out there. Will it ever not be that way? Seems hopeless right now but I cross my fingers that we as Fitness Professionals can one day come together and agree on a way to safely and effectively train our clients to get the best results. All we are doing is confusing the majority and scaring them away.
Unfit people are intimidated walking into a building full of fit people. We take our self image very personally, as we should. That's why I cringe every time I see someone post a picture of themselves online of them flexing in the mirror shirtless while holding up their plate of bland chicken and four pieces of broccoli with a ridiculously dark tan making a kissy face with their shades on. Not only is it super douchey, it is scaring away potential customers to the gym. Yes, you if you are doing that, are helping the downfall of the fitness industry. Get offended, I don't mind. Hitting a nerve means I know that you know I might be on to something. I'm not saying don't be proud of your hard work. But stop showing it off to the general public, please, for the sake of the future of our jobs.
My solution to these problems? I don't know yet. I'm working very hard at it though. I am always working on new ways to reach the people that REALLY need the change in their body to see a bright and healthy future. Just read very carefully, go with your good judgement. If it feels right, it probably is. We humans have a neat sense of right and wrong if we choose to use it. Hopefully change is coming. We need it desperately.
