Bigger
Part of my role as a physical education teacher for over 20 years, has been to motivate and inspire young people to consider their health and fitness levels. Education includes a gateway to regularly exercise. It’s hoped that developed positive patterns of behaviour and mindset continue into adult life. Statistically, the most likely form of significant activity to be undertaken by adults is gym use. The increasing popularity of this is due in no small part, to the influence of social media. We are bombarded by images and videos of so-called influencers telling us how we can change our lifestyles to become more like them!
The end goal seems to be to have a certain physique. We have become familiar with terms like bulk, shred, cut and tone. Forms of either losing weight and gaining muscle or a combination of both. We are informed of the best ways to exercise and the types of diets to adhere to, to achieve the desired effect.
This could be seen as a positive trend, with the general population becoming aware of the importance of maintaining their health and the empowerment to change. This must be better than the surge in obesity, and the subsequent negative health associations with having a high percentage of body fat.
Another part of my role in life is serving others as a church pastor. In this my commitment takes me beyond what I see in front of me, to understand what lies beneath. Rather than just dealing with patterns of behaviour, I am asking, why? If we apply this to the fitness industry, the reason for the current trend could be less healthy than it appears!
I strongly advocate the benefits of exercise and the benefits of making good life-choices. However, I have reservations about the motives of some. I watched a short clip of a man doing a routine of poses to display his dangerously swollen body. He had used weights and all manner of substances to produce what I believe could be considered an unnatural appearance. The issue was that for him, and many others this has become a highly desirable condition. For many, the bigger the better! It is in some way an outward sign of masculinity and perceived strength. I question whether such a commitment to outward appearance whether created by muscles or makeup hides troubling inner turmoil, such as insecurity or low self-worth.
So, what does this mean for us? Well, perhaps a review of what and why we do what we do is a good start. I recently produced a health survey that included questions on exercise and diet patterns. Perhaps a more holistic approach is needed to consider the underlying issues I have mentioned. My challenge is to become bigger! Not in the sense of a swollen physique rather, by having a bigger heart. One that encompasses other people, and the challenges of everyday life. In practice, it may mean I resist pointing out faults in those closest to me, or considering a kinder approach to myself, choosing to not feel guilty or self-deprecating. Understanding what I do and why, creates opportunity to do something different. I would rather be remembered for being the person who gave worth and value to those who I engaged with, and not for my appearance.
The end goal seems to be to have a certain physique. We have become familiar with terms like bulk, shred, cut and tone. Forms of either losing weight and gaining muscle or a combination of both. We are informed of the best ways to exercise and the types of diets to adhere to, to achieve the desired effect.
This could be seen as a positive trend, with the general population becoming aware of the importance of maintaining their health and the empowerment to change. This must be better than the surge in obesity, and the subsequent negative health associations with having a high percentage of body fat.
Another part of my role in life is serving others as a church pastor. In this my commitment takes me beyond what I see in front of me, to understand what lies beneath. Rather than just dealing with patterns of behaviour, I am asking, why? If we apply this to the fitness industry, the reason for the current trend could be less healthy than it appears!
I strongly advocate the benefits of exercise and the benefits of making good life-choices. However, I have reservations about the motives of some. I watched a short clip of a man doing a routine of poses to display his dangerously swollen body. He had used weights and all manner of substances to produce what I believe could be considered an unnatural appearance. The issue was that for him, and many others this has become a highly desirable condition. For many, the bigger the better! It is in some way an outward sign of masculinity and perceived strength. I question whether such a commitment to outward appearance whether created by muscles or makeup hides troubling inner turmoil, such as insecurity or low self-worth.
So, what does this mean for us? Well, perhaps a review of what and why we do what we do is a good start. I recently produced a health survey that included questions on exercise and diet patterns. Perhaps a more holistic approach is needed to consider the underlying issues I have mentioned. My challenge is to become bigger! Not in the sense of a swollen physique rather, by having a bigger heart. One that encompasses other people, and the challenges of everyday life. In practice, it may mean I resist pointing out faults in those closest to me, or considering a kinder approach to myself, choosing to not feel guilty or self-deprecating. Understanding what I do and why, creates opportunity to do something different. I would rather be remembered for being the person who gave worth and value to those who I engaged with, and not for my appearance.
Tim Sparkes
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