Paper short abstract:

Fitness is based on the idea of how the body can be transformed in a ‘natural’ way. Training represents not only the tool, but also the limit of the body’s plasticity. This presentation aims to show how the idea of the body transformation is related to bottom-up experiences of the gym participants.

Paper long abstract:

Fitness culture is based on the idea of how the body can be transformed in a ‘natural’ way. A set of kinesthetic practices called training represent not only the ‘tool’, but also the limit of the body’s plasticity. In the idea of fitness, only exercise can help improve a physical body and mark the extent to which the body could be transformed.

The aim of this presentation is to show how the idea of the transformation of human body, which is inscribed into various kinesthetic practices developing within fitness industry, is related to bottom-up experiences of the participants of these practices in the context of reshaping their bodies and keeping control over them. Research questions focus on the process of reclassifying ideals of the body, exploring predispositions and limits of one’s body, understanding the idea of ‘true’ and ‘natural’ transformation of the body and its legitimization.

This presentation is based on fieldwork conducted in fitness clubs in Poland. Different research methods include not only in-depth interviews with female fitness participants and fitness instructors, but also participant observation and personal experence of the researcher herself, as she has been working as a fitness instructor in gyms for years.