Read on Twitter
The belief that our health is determined by our lifestyle and diet, and not underpinned by socioeconomic factors (if we want it bad enough we will "do whatever it takes") largely outside of our control is the reason I have a hard time making good friends in the fitness community.
Almost all of my close friendships in the fitness community center on shared values and interests *outside* of the gym and a common understanding of our intersections of privilege when *inside* the gym (whether spoken or not)
It used to be a place where almost all of my friends were. But as I've gotten older and advanced in my education and career I just can't hang with folks who refuse to see that their fitness routine is directly tied to privilege; it is viewed as an affront to their hard work.
I should add, this wouldn't be such a personal issue if it didn't manifest in condescending, fat-shaming, stigmatizing, addiction-shaming, victim-blaming, straight up MEAN conversation topics. I'm sure there's also a major insecurity/inferiority complex element to it or something
Training absolutely SAVED me during COVID-19 and will continue to be a source of stress relief and positive risk-taking that I have access to, but shitty attitudes/toxic messaging about health and fitness are skyrocketing and I just wish folks understood.
