Posted At: September 9, 2013 7:30 p.m.
by Jessica Smith
Being lazy in America is apparently a thing of the past. Fitness companies have capitalized on America’s health boom.Everywhere you turn there is a new type of workout. Fitness programs such as Zumba, Pilates, yoga, Couch to 5K, Pure Barre, CrossFit and cycling have consumed our lives…but at least we’re consuming fitness plans and not donuts.
What happened to running a mile every day and doing some push-ups? Have we, as Americans, become accustomed to constant change? All of these workout plans persuade us to believe they are the best for our bodies, but are they really?
Fitness companies have made me believe in their programs and give them a shot. Boredom creeps in and convinces me to jump to another workout. The weight never comes off, and the money goes to yet another workout guru.
Every time I begin a new workout plan, I’m truly convinced it is the one for me. Last February, I started Pure Barre and was sure I would continue this workout for the rest of my life. Their motto, “Lift, Tone, and Burn” sounded great. By the end of March, my butt had been lifted too high and “toned” too big (which is not what I intended to happen). I quit and took my $100 a month elsewhere.
I realize spending that much on an exercise class might sound ridiculous, but the owners/self-made PR people are very convincing. Even with my hatred of CrossFit, these fitness institutions know how to get vulnerable college students through their doors.
They wave around free trial passes, Groupon discounts and student discounts. Between the fancy socks at Pure Barre and wearing yoga pants to actually do yoga, I became a sucker for any new workout. How are these fitness plans staying afloat? I guess there’s always a new, young college student who wants to get in shape.
Some of these fitness plans might work for people if they stick with the plans for a long time, but I haven’t figured out the system yet. Maybe one day I’ll learn, but for now I’ll stick with what I know. I started the Couch to 5K workout yesterday.
