Group fitness typically receives criticism from feminist scholars as a type of physical activity that reinforces negative cultural ideas about femininity and women’s bodies. While these criticisms are valid, they provide little framework for how participants may find meaning within the practice of group fitness. In this philosophic analysis, I outline the problems associated with group fitness, particularly those highlighted by feminist critics and provide ways that women who participate in group ...
Group fitness typically receives criticism from feminist scholars as a type of physical activity that reinforces negative cultural ideas about femininity and women’s bodies. While these criticisms are valid, they provide little framework for how participants may find meaning within the practice of group fitness. In this philosophic analysis, I outline the problems associated with group fitness, particularly those highlighted by feminist critics and provide ways that women who participate in group fitness can find meaning, especially by upending patriarchal and sexist notions about women’s bodies and femininity. To do this, I use the practice of Zumba fitness, a class choreographed to Latin-style dance music, as a way to illustrate the potential for meaning. My analysis draws from philosophic, sociological, and historical literature about fitness, group fitness, and femininity.
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