I was a history and german studies major; in other words, a social science student. At the time, I was not able to fully appreciate these subjects. One of the things that often floated in the back of my mind as I studied historical events and broad scale social and cultural movements was the feeling that our models of these events were rather abstract. The idea that something which we now label a movement, i.e. the enlightenment, humanism, etc. was actually influencing individual lives and actions seemed hard to grasp. At the time, I simply didn’t feel I had first hand experience watching a popular movement affect my real world life. Then I became a personal trainer. In this career, I have worked with many individuals on a personal level. When I work with these people I see clearly that I am not dealing merely with the individual that is in front of me, but with the world in which they exist. I am seeing first hand how the macrocosm of society trickles down to the microcosm of the individual.
My primary task as a personal trainer is to help clients become healthier. This is no small responsibility. As such, I have delved into anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and exercise science in an attempt to hone out the very best solutions for the bodies that are under my care. However, I have come to understand that to be truly effective requires much more than that – I have to think about how the greater systems that we live in affect us.
There is already a great deal of scholarly work out there examining the fitness industry’s current form, its cultural influence, and its direct effect on society. Here are three examples: 1, 2, 3. But of course the reciprocal is also true. Society affects how we approach fitness.
In the end, we must understand how fitness intersects with economics, philosophy, science, medicine, popular culture, and more. As I have started down that path I have been surprised at the directions it has taken me. I would not have suspected that I would be re-familiarizing myself with Descartes, or that I would be reading the history of economics, the history of medicine, or even find myself pouring over the connections to sustainability. Nevertheless, I have done so and it is what I have discovered that I will begin sharing under the category Sustainability on this blog. I hope you find something here that helps you!
PHOTO: Rafael Robles, Descartes, License
If you have not done so, see C Wright Mills' (1959) Sociological Imagination. Your description of " I see clearly that I am not dealing merely with the individual that is in front of me, but with the world in which they exist" echoes Wright Mills' outline of the SI as a tool to understand personal biography and society, and the relationship between the two in history. I look forward to reading your thoughts! https://www.academia.edu/1676732/The_Sociological_Imagination_and_Health
Thank you! I will definitely check that out. I think it's a fascinating and important topic.