The market for fitness is gaining huge popularity amongst the millennials. Athleticism and health have become buzz words these days. Epicureanism is being replaced by gratification through hard work. People are now more aware of the importance of keeping good health. This trend is benefitting the fitness industry the most. The global health and wellness industry has exploded into a $100 billion opportunity. Gyms and fitness centers are now offering a unique social experience along with great guidance on workouts. However, there is an underlying issue that still needs to be addressed. Gyms around the UK and most other developed and developing countries lack much-needed diversity.
It may sound very straightforward but we only see white faces in the gyms today. The other ethnicities are also in big numbers in the UK but favoritism towards the white race has created this unfortunate bias. Luckily, a few professional trainers like Brad Goodwin have been raising their voices against this malpractice. It is still very early to rejoice but we hope their efforts will surely bring people of all races together to build a healthy world.
The Advertising Gimmick
The importance of intelligent advertising is well known. A creative ad campaign can change your business overnight. The advertising tool has been misused for decades when it comes to the fitness industry. You only see white faces on the billboards that market wellness products or services. The famous gym websites, most read health magazines, weight loss brochures, etc are all brimming with people of one particular race. The African/Caribbean/Black British people in the UK are well educated and many amongst them are also gym enthusiasts. Today, the minority here feels left out and this is the reason we see their limited presence in the gyms.
Why It Is Wrong And What The Industry Can Do?
The white people are about 80% of the British population. However, the other races dwelling in the UK are growing fast in numbers due to rapid globalization. Women from Asia and Africa come to the UK to earn their living and many even settle here forever. The life of a career-centric woman is filled with many challenges. The physically demanding work timelines, mentally draining travel schedules, the maternity hardships, etc. are some of the troubles every woman goes through.
A healthy body and soul is inevitable for survival in this fast-paced world. It is really hard to ‘be’ what you cannot see. The non-white community is losing out on the race to fitness just because they do not have any role model to get inspired. It is difficult for them to follow someone who does not carry their body type and has a different mindset.
The key motto of gyms and fitness centers is to help those who need it the most. The industry needs to realize that any exclusivity in promoting good health is very harmful to the global fitness community. We need to involve each and every person and acknowledge our differences. The industry should strive for achieving an all-inclusive upliftment of all human beings irrespective of their color, origin, social or financial status.
The Torch Bearers of Hope
Six Pack Workouts contributor and personal trainer Brad Goodwin carries a constructive mindset when it comes to bringing the diversity in the gym. He is a humble soul. He understands the importance of a multicultural society. He believes a gym is a reflection of the outside world. A balanced group of clients belonging to different cultures offers a rich experience to every member of the gym.
Brad Goodwin has dedicated his life to professional training. He is a great listener too. He tries to resolve his clients’ problems with an unbiased attitude. He has recently launched a campaign for promoting diversity in his gym. As anticipated, he has been getting immense support from the local community and seen a huge increase in diversity. There are very few personal trainers like him in the UK who celebrate the differences amongst people and assist each and every soul that needs help.
What You Can Do?
Every change, big or small, always starts with ‘us’. We can improve the world around us if we decide to clear our heads from all the preconceived notions and are ready to challenge the age-old stereotypes. We should listen to the unheard voices around us. The muffled words many times say a lot more than deafening agendas. Our actions have the power to break this ill-fated trend and start a new cycle that relies on faith, love, and care for each other.
The reason you are still reading this is that you know that the majoritarian view is clearly wrong and this biased approach needs to be substituted with something more practical. The first thing you can do is to talk to the affected person. Your kind words can make them feel more involved and motivated. The next step is to join the movement promoting this diversity. You can even be a part of many online campaigns on social media to lend your support. It is also a brilliant idea to join a gym that has a mixed crowd. If that’s not all, you can always approach kind-hearted people like Brad who can guide you better on this ultra-sensitive issue.
