The Culture of the Gym

As someone who hits the gym regularly, I've noticed it's often misunderstood as merely a place for physical workouts. However, through my own experiences and extensive observations, I've come to realize the gym is far more than that. It is a complex social environment where unique dynamics unfold daily. During my workouts, I've interacted with a diverse range of people, each bringing their own goals and stories to the gym floor. This has allowed me to gain a deeper insight into the shared values, rituals, and social norms that define these spaces. From the unspoken etiquette of sharing equipment to communal encouragement during a tough workout, these aspects create a rich, communal identity. In my time as a regular gym-goer turned anthropologist, I've witnessed firsthand how these dynamics play out, transforming the gym into a cultural hub where fitness and social interactions come together. The perspective I have coming from personal experience, has shown me that gyms aren't just about getting fit; they're thriving communities where cultural and social connections flourish. 

For my study, I didn't have to change much about my usual routine. Being a natural observant person, I just had to turn up my observation skills a bit. I used the notes app to take my field notes while I was doing my usual workouts. One thing that worked out for me was that gym culture is always being displayed. It didn't matter if someone was working out alone, with a buddy, or even sitting around on their phone. I could have observed something noteworthy about almost anyone in there. I was most surprised to see how gym culture extends beyond the gym's walls. It's in the little things like someone checking the nutritional info on a snack to see the calories. It is these little things as well as my observations that have shown me how ingrained gym culture is in our everyday lives. 

One of the remarkable things about gym culture is how there is no discrimination. There are no privileges based on sex/gender or race. This is a place where people of every shape, size, race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexuality, religion, age, and background come together seamlessly. In such a space, these differences are accepted, creating an environment where everyone fits in naturally. The diversity not only enriches the gym environment but also reflects a broader acceptance that is integral to the spirit of the gym culture. 

  When entering the gym for my fieldwork, I immediately noticed an unusual calmness, extremely different from the typical hustle and bustle. Normally, I am in the gym at 3 pm, and Sundays are not my usual gym days, but this time, I made an exception. The abnormal quietness led me to think about the potential reasons behind this abnormal tranquility. Maybe people were recovering from the previous day's football game celebrations, or maybe they had chosen to spend their Sunday at church. Multiple possibilities crossed my mind. As I descended the ramp, the familiar faces of the regulars, a group I've come to recognize during my regular visits, came into view. These individuals are consistently present, and they encompass a blend of respect and discipline, they seem to hold a great influence within the gym's social dynamics. While the regulars don't wield direct power in the gym, their influence is undeniable. In a space where everyone is essentially on equal footing, there are no special privileges based on muscle size and the shared experience of waiting turns. The regulars play a crucial role. This became clear as I observed two newcomers to the gym, visibly unfamiliar with proper workout techniques. A regular named Rick approached them, demonstrating a willingness to share knowledge, guiding them through the correct steps, and preventing potential injuries. Rick is a regular at the gym and enjoys helping out new people in the gym. “ It's easy to tell when it's someone's first time. You want to make them feel welcome, let them know that this is a good place. Maybe even make them want to come back again” (Rick 2023).  This initial examination of gym culture during my study provided insights into what this culture is built upon, beyond the physical activities, it's rooted in mutual respect, discipline, and a collective commitment to creating a supportive environment.

Respect is a cornerstone of gym culture.  I have seen people being respectful to others on multiple occasions. Gymgoers are respectful to one another because they believe in making a positive and welcoming environment for everyone in the gym. I asked Rick what he thought of the overall culture of the gym. “The gym has a strong sense of community. People can support and motivate each other, sharing tips, correcting techniques, and celebrating each other's successes. they treat others with respect, especially newbies, they make them feel welcome and give them a sense of belonging” (Rick 2023). There are many unwritten rules within the gym community. One of the most notable is you are not allowed to judge others, no matter what, it’s not allowed and you will be called out if you break that rule. People in the gym all have this level of respect for each other. I asked one of my buddies Ian in an interview and asked for his thoughts on why people were respectful to each other. I asked him if he thought that they had to be respectful or if he thought the respect was genuine.  “ I think they actually respect each other because they are improving themselves by doing good and healthy habits” (Ian 2023). This respect extends to everyone, regardless of their fitness level or appearance, fostering a sense of team spirit and camaraderie. 

In the gym, individuals actively uphold a code of etiquette to foster a positive and considerate environment for all. They make sure to sanitize seats after use, preventing fellow gym-goers from encountering discomfort in a puddle of sweat and ensuring a hygienic workout space. Returning equipment to its designated place is a common practice, promoting efficiency and accessibility for others. A common aspect of gym etiquette involves the gracious act of allowing other gym goers to "work in," fostering a collaborative spirit where individuals share equipment during sets. Noise control is also important, with people being mindful of not disrupting others by avoiding loud grunts or weight slamming. But there are other ways to display gym etiquette without just using silent gestures. It includes actively spotting others during lifts to ensure safety. The gym etiquette also involves words of encouragement shared among participants, creating an uplifting atmosphere. These courteous acts collectively epitomize the mutual respect inherent in gym culture, a shared commitment to kindness, and reciprocity among individuals pursuing their fitness journeys.

Seeing gym culture extending beyond the gym had left quite the impression on me. What struck me the most was the widespread influence of weightlifters championing a healthy lifestyle outside the gym environment. This realization came to me when I spotted my gym buddy, Ian, at the market next to the student union. Watching Ian thoroughly examine nutrition labels on snacks before making a purchase was very interesting. However, it was during later interviews that the true motivation behind his label-reading habit unfolded. In response to my inquiry, Ian revealed, "It's become a mental thing. And when I cut the weight, I think it has messed with my head to where I feel the need to pick the healthiest option, with the most protein and the least amount of grams of fat, or else I will get fat again" (Ian 2023). After hearing this, Ian opened my eyes to the prevalence of body dysmorphia within the gym community, shedding light on the complex relationship individuals foster with their bodies. I was also able to discover the careful tracking of caloric intake gym goers undergo each day. Gymgoers are strategizing their diet choices for optimal fitness. A dining hall visit with one of my gym buddies turned into a lesson on nutrition. It was a long day, I just wanted the cheeseburger, but my friend made sure I had the grilled chicken and rice instead. My friend emphasized the correlation between dietary choices and gym performance. The strive for bettering themselves goes well beyond the walls of the gym, it shows how intertwined their lifestyle choices and their fitness goals have become. 

The rituals that have been integrated into the culture of the gym are pivotal in shaping its atmosphere. Imagine an alien from outer space observing us, it might appear as if Earth's inhabitants engage in a ceremonial dance within a modern-day temple, wielding metal circles as their chosen ritual tools, seeking the blessings of strength from our gods. Although the reality is a lot more realistic, in my opinion, it’s just as fascinating. My friend Dylan has a unique ritual that I've only witnessed him perform. “Before all my lifts, I like to pray and ask God for strength. I feel that it works for me” (Dylan 2023). One of the important rituals that are performed in the gym is the act of warming up, which may seem insignificant, warming up isn't just a ceremony but a crucial step undertaken by most individuals to maintain safety against potential injuries, The rituals conducted within the gym are more than just dances to prevent injury. One of the most important rituals is for the ones most serious in the gym, allow me to introduce the cut and bulk rituals. These dietary rituals extend well beyond just the gym. These rituals are meant to be integrated into everyday life. The cut is sort of like fasting, it involves a strategic reduction in calorie intake to shed excess weight. It's a ritualistic exertion undertaken by those striving for leaner physiques and enhanced muscle definition. On the other hand, the bulk is where individuals intentionally increase their calorie consumption to facilitate muscle growth and weight gain. 

The thought of gym-goers worshiping an idol of some sort might not be too far off. Especially with today's day being heavily dominated by technology and social media. With the rise of fitness influencers who have gained a  large following on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, some people may have developed a strong likeness for these figures, aspiring to emulate their physiques and lifestyles. It’s very common for people to have favorite "gym influencers" that they admire and seek to emulate. The influence goes beyond mere admiration; some individuals go so far as to replicate the exact workout routines of these influencers to achieve similar results. For example, a friend of mine has incorporated different workout routines from various bodybuilders, trying to acquire different aspects of their physiques. This shows the influence that prominent figures in the fitness community hold over the workout regimens of gym-goers. In an interview, Dylan expressed his positive views on fitness influencers, stating, "They are good people to look up to. By watching their videos I feel that they have taught me a lot about muscles and how they work, as well as nutrition which has helped with my performance in the gym big time" (Dylan 2023). This shows that there is also an educational aspect of these influencers rather than just being sources of motivation. Unfortunately, there is a problem with people aspiring to look like their favorite influencers. Performance-enhancing drugs are quite prevalent in the gym influencer community. Many of these influencers, despite their nice physiques, are known to use steroids or similar substances to achieve their results. This reality creates an unrealistic end goal for most gym goers, contributing to a mental struggle within the fitness culture. When discussing his desire to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Simon acknowledged the use of drugs in achieving such physiques. He stated, "I know that his [Arnold Schwarzenegger] body isn't possible without drugs. But, if I can look at least a little like him while staying natural, I'll consider it a win" (Simon 2023). Simon is well aware that his desire is nearly impossible while staying natural, but he is willing to resemble Arnold in the slightest bit. So, it might not be straight-up worship of these influencers. But I think of this similar to how the regulars hold sway over the gym culture, these content creators exert influence on a larger scale, like on a national or maybe even a global level. 

 The gym reveals a rich and spirited culture that goes well beyond the clanging of weights and the hum of cardio machines. This study has explored the intense physical and mental challenges willingly undertaken by dedicated gym-goers daily. Additionally, we've discovered the intricate rituals meticulously performed to enhance performance and the imitation of admired "idols" who serve as inspirational figures. My fieldwork has made it apparent that the culture in the gym not only exists but is growing at an exponential rate, bringing in more newcomers thanks to our welcoming regulars, as well as bringing people together to achieve the common goal in their fitness journey. 

Works Cited 

Rick 2023. Personal correspondence with the author.

Ian 2023. Personal correspondence with the author

Dylan 2023. Personal correspondence with the author

Simon 2023. Personal correspondence with the author