Fitness revelations - Forum

American Fitness, May-June, 2002 by Ellen Barrett

After I finished my last FiTOUR[TM] 2001 date in Alexandria, Virginia, I proceeded to sleep for 48 hours. My brain, like an over worked computer, crashed. Presenting in 130 cities in less than seven months didn't deplete me of my physical strength as much as it exhausted my mental energy.

When I finally emerged from my mini-hibernation, I found people were interested in my United States adventure. My family asked, "What was your favorite city?" (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), "What was your favorite state?" (Montana), "Where were the nicest people?" (Wisconsin), "Where was the best food?" (Baton Rouge, Louisiana). My fitness colleagues asked different questions, like "What city has the most thriving fitness scene?" (Chicago, Illinois), "Where was the most fabulous club?" (Columbus, Ohio).

However, the most poignant question came from my father. He said, "You know, Elle, formal schooling is great, but the best education is out there, in the world. So, what did you learn?" My response was immediate and pessimistic--"Fitness is schitzo, people are [overweight] and women [in the fitness industry] aren't making enough money." Unfiltered and without tact, that summed my "out there" education. Here, I tactfully elaborate.

Why is the fitness scene schizophrenic? Because it mirrors a schizophrenic society. We have diets touting natural foods and protein pills. Many poster children of the fitness industry are partaking in extreme, abusive behavior and are the least healthy. What the media illustrates as "fit" is usually malnourished, drug induced or the result of plastic surgery. We have tanning beds in health clubs! We might as well sell cigarettes too!

This schizophrenic phenomenon was apparent on my tour. The workshop attendees were confused about the changing "rules" of fitness. We were taught that a forward bend without support is incorrect, yet it is a fundamental movement of yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi. If fitness professionals are confused, how do you think the general population feels? Fancy props and energy drinks also enhance the confusion. Gone are the days of clear rules, regulations, fitness philosophies and nutritional plans. As fitness professionals, we need to ask ourselves if this new technology has made us healthier. On tour, I was confronted with this question everyday and my answer is, "No, our society is not healthier."

As a nation, we are in poor shape. People feel intimidated and inadequate when comparing themselves to the media's projected image of fitness. Over 60 million Americans are overweight and nearly half, ages 12 to 21, are inactive. Diabetes, heart disease, depression, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), obesity and colon cancer are on the rise. People need us to promote and inspire true health, not an unattainable image. We need to simplify fitness and spend more time working with the adolescent and elderly populations--the two populations with the fastest decline in fitness. We need to care about people and strive for good health, not cosmetic appeal.

Fitness is a business driven by revenue, yet women do not seem to work with this concept in mind. Women must start being more business-oriented and take ownership. According to the International Health, Racquet & Sports Club Association (IHRSA), there are over 700,000 fitness professionals in the United States, 73 percent of which are women. However, less than 10 percent of business owners, club managers and organizational heads are women. Nine out of ten instructors are women, seven out of ten trainers are women, yet only one out of ten owners are women. Most people are unaware of this imbalance, as I was until FiTOUR[TM] 2001.

Women rarely have status, money or power in the fitness industry. Although there are few women in power positions, like Gin Miller and Linda Pfeffer, women are rarely at the top of the fitness industry food chain. Women are a majority in the fitness industry, yet a minority in power positions. We need more women at the top, more female entrepreneurs, like Judi Sheppard Missett, founder of Jazzercise[R]. Sheppard found a niche, organized it and made it successful. During my tour, I was impressed by the strong presence of Jazzercise[R] throughout the country.

A health crisis in America and a lopsided power structure ... it's not the end of the world for I learned one more thing "out there"--nothing's perfect. Accepting what is and striving for a better situation is something we can do. In spite of my new knowledge, I love being part of the fitness industry. As a fitness professional, I help people help themselves. Always keep in mind that someone's quality of life is improving because of YOU! This is the ultimate reward of the fitness profession. Thank you all who attended the "Pilates for Fitness" workshops, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you. I signed on with FiTOUR[TM] 2001 to educate others and managed to educate myself.

Ellen Barrett, M.S., is an AFAA, ACE and Physical Mind Institute certified instructor and was the sole FiTOUR[TM] 2001 presenter. She is the founder of Buff Girl Fitness and the creator of Balletpilates. Her video, BalletPilates, is available at www.buffgirlfitness.com. Barrett resides in West Hollywood, California.