As social media becomes more prominent, content surrounding fitness has gained popularity, helping to expand the community of people who go to the gym.
Gym culture has seen a rise, especially online, as many gym and fitness related content creators have expanded the reach of physical activity into peoples’ daily lives.
This consistency of online media has been credited with an increase in pressure to achieve the
unachievable.
According to San Marin’s official athletics website, there are 24 listed athletic teams advertised at San Marin, and $600,000 raised in 2017 by various sports boosters. However, many students have also taken to independent exercise outside of school athletics.
San Marin freshman Colin Taaffe goes to the gym three to four times a week. He believes that the gym is best left “casual” and argues against the growing pressure that social media leaves
on gymgoers.
“It’s [fitness] definitely a casual thing. It’s a good way to escape and get exercise,” Taaffe
said. “You can definitely see a lot [of bodybuilders] on Instagram and you think that that’s what
you have to look like, but I don’t see any pressure too often.”
The gym and working out on your own is also described as being a good way to train your mind, not just your body.
“I think it [the gym] is a good space,” junior Dillon Barbero said. “You’re there to work on yourself and your goals. For me it’s the ultimate therapy.”
Social media can be a motivating factor for people to join the gym. Freshman Izzy Coucoules has seen how social media has pushed others to begin working out or going to the gym.
“I think that the way people look on social media could push others into thinking they have to look a certain way,” Coucoules said. “There is a lot of empowerment on social media and motivation to get people to work out, though. There’s good pressure for sure.”
According to The New York Times, as of 2023, there are an estimated 50,000 Instagram users labeled as “fitness Influencers.”
While social media may be a motivating factor in going to a gym, some users have seen the
downside when it comes to the advertisements and selling points of the gym as a whole.
“Most [influencer guides and products] are just trying to take your money,” Barbaro said. “…Most of the time guides/trainers on fitness apps don’t even work. It needs to be specific to you and your body.”
There are many differences between gym culture in real life versus the curated presence of fitness online. The most important thing for people to remember is to find what their personal purpose is at the gym and how they can stay motivated to their goals.
