I don't deny the origins of Group Fitness. Aerobics originated in the 80's with such role models as Jane Fonda. Lycra leotards and headbands were worn and the instructors often yelled out things like "woo hoo!" Classes were often called things like "Jazzercise," and "Tone and Stretch" and "Cardio Funk" and 98% of people taking the classes were women! No wonder aerobics is perceived as feminine! Unfortunately, as we move into the era of "Group Fitness Training" this image of "Aerobics" has stuck! Someone who spends all their time in the free weights area still pictures a bunch of girls in the group fitness studio jumping around and dancing dressed in lycra just like the cardio junkie sees the free weights area as full of 'meat heads' who grunt and check out their biceps in the mirror.
However, the fitness industry has become more educated! Just as resistance training has evoled from its body building associations and become something more individuals aspire to do because of the much needed strength and metabolic benefits and the functional aspects of the training, group fitness has evolved from its feminine origins.
In a recent New York Times article, fitness program directors were quoted as saying that they know gym members stay longer when they're involved in group classes. Classes offer a social aspect that individual gym users often don't experience. There is interaction and connection- it is a shared experience. Such organizations as Les Mills and Zumba Fitness have taken the fitness world by storm all because they understand that the social benefits of exercise and the 'fun factor' keeps people coming back! The very essence of Sh'Bam (one of Les Mills latest successes!) according to program director Racael Cohen is "you are out with a group of friends on a Friday night and simply leading them into a fun time of dance; so infectiously fun (all that sweating and smiling!) and they just can't help joining in".
According to Barry Van Over, vice president of Premier Martial Arts, "Men like the social aspects of a co-ed class, but most will shun a class that risks making them appear anti-masculine'. Drey Tybus, a New Your City publicist echoes these thoughts; "since the group exercise studio is not "man's territory," neither are the typical movements you find in these classes. Fumbling around trying to learn stuff is hard and it's not any easier when there's a cute girl next to you who's looking at you with eyes that say, 'Hey dopey, what don't you get here? When he blows the whistle, you jump!" ("Oh Man" - Carrie Myers Smith). A lack of self-confidence and physical inferiority are not qualitites we associate with masculininty!
There are some classes that contain movements typically associated with femininity. Although it is different in some cultures, the Australian male wouldn't be typically associated with some of the hip wiggling and butt shaking that might take place in a Zumba class. However, this is not typical of Group Fitness anymore! Less Mills International has been successful because of its different take on Group Fitness. They have taken typical sporting activities and thurned them into Group Fintess Programs. Acoording to Less Mills International founder Phillip Mills in the 1990's "Aerobics, which has bubbled away in a niche through the 80's, became the Group Fitness revolution. Suddenly you could ride your bike in a social environment with inspiring music and a great instructor to motivate you. The same thing happened with weight-training, martial arts, yoga, dance classes and a host of other activities." Les Mills also makes a point of using strong, athletic male role models to promote its programs. As a result, not only has it brought more males to the Group Fitness studio, it has inspired many to become instructors. They use words like "Power" and "Strenght" to promote their programs, instructors us set, pre-choreographed aerobics workouts. They also aim to use "genderless music;" there is a mix of rock and latest music for more general appeal.
Studio classes are no longer called 'Aerobics!' the focus is on group training. There are classes like Zumba that involve dancing around the aerobics room, but there are so many other options; Thump Boxing, cycle, Tabata circuits, Boot Camp, and even classes promotion core strenght and fucntional training such as Pilates and CxWorx. Group fitness has replaced the fun and camaraderie that was previously created by traditional sporting activities. The instructor coaches and motivates the group to success and you achieve your fitness goals in a social way with friends and music that is infectious! The group, the coach and the music motivates you to a whole new energy level!
No comments:
Post a Comment