· By Amber Elizabeth Dodzweit
PORN OR FITNESS?
I think it’s time as a fitness community that we address the “pink elephant” in the room. In this case our pink elephant is rocking barely there thong bikini- which makes this really interesting.
When I take a look at images from the porn industry and then I compare those images with those from the fitness industry- I see no difference except muscle. For an athlete that has dedicated their life to the art of exercise, this phenomenon has become an insult. Furthermore, I am embarrassed to claim my career in the “fitness industry” because of it’s raunchy and extreme reputation in the mainstream market.
I get regular emails from aspiring fitness models wondering how it is that I was “discovered”. These girls are already buying into the notion that taking their clothes off is the only way to being noticed and ultimately sponsored. Without mentioning names, there are a few stars of the social media world that have upwards of millions of followers they have obtained by running a soft porn show on their pages. This is speaking to young athletes that in order to become a “name” and inspire people with their athleticism….get naked.
Early on in my career I was on set with a well-known fitness photographer that wanted to shoot me for a glamour fitness magazine. When I refused a proposition to get undressed and be featured in this publication- I was told “you won’t ever get anywhere in fitness being so modest”. A few months later, I was approached by Playboy and a few years after that Playboy came knocking again to be turned down.
I haven’t always had my moral compass on true north and there have been a couple instances where looking back I would have made different choices but throughout my entire career I’ve preached ability above aesthetics. I think that trend is beginning to catch steam not because of my attempts but because peoples stomachs are starting to turn. I believe that most people don’t want asses in their face when their hope is to be inspired to become better versions of themselves. I also know that for as long as we validate these people with “follows” and edifying comments there will be no end to the ever-growing pornographic fitness industry.
Even more concerning is the implication this poses on our youth. I received an email from an 18-year old girl essentially crying out for help because her fitness coach was encouraging her to take photos to put up on sketchy social media sites dedicated to “fitness”. She was confused because the feedback on her posing in a thong in the mirror was so positive and wondered if this was the only way to becoming someone in fitness. I mean am I the only one looking at these situations saying “ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!”
More than anything, this is a call for those who do not believe in the “sexifying “ of fitness to actually take a stand. Nothing will change as long as people are willing to reinforce the fact that nudity=success. If I were a parent, I would fear my child wanting to make a career in fitness. This is heartbreaking considering this should be a place for athletes to come and put their talents on display without being coaxed into a soft porn exposition.
As a brand this is something we are attacking head on. The athletes we sign, the branding we release and the message we put out will not fit in, and this is 100% intentional. Got guts? Let us know your hashtag ideas to create a movement and stop the sexualization of our industry.
AMBER DODZWEIT
85 comments
-
Wow. Are you serious? This entire post WREAKS of jealousy and insecurity. Seriously Amber you are a great disappointment. The fitness industry is what… exactly? It’s about your BODY. And no one should be ashamed of showing every inch of your body if you worked hard to achieve an amazing one. Just because you didn’t become that successful because you are overly modest doesn’t mean the women who are more successful are suddenly sluts or “porn stars” because you’re jealous of their success. Cry to someone who cares, you’ll get no where by complaining and bringing people down. This is extremely immature.
Kory Richmond on
-
Amazing message! As someone who is striving to live a fit lifestyle I try to follow and learn from those that have put in the work and have results to show for it. Unfortunately, as someone who is trying to follow Christ, I am finding fewer and fewer female fitness personalities whose photographs are appropriate for inspiration without invoking… well to put it plainly lust. I’m also a single father to a little girl who I hope will emulate my passion for fitness. I can’t be her only role model, we’re built different; she needs female role models of noble character to serve as her inspiration. These oversexualized fitness pros don’t cut it. Thank you for bringing awareness to this issue. Current and future generations of people aspiring to the fit life will be molded by decisions we make today.
Hector Febres on
-
Haters will hate, nothing but diahrea coming out your mouths. You wish you looked half as good n fit as the bodybuilders and bikini models, the guys who talk shit talk because the girls won’t give them the time of day or lack the cojones to approach these fine women. Women just hate because their men admire these ladies. We love haters cause that confirms we look that Damn good!!! Hi Haters!!!
Dee on
-
Could not agree more! I follow a lot of fitness people on IG, but am really disappointed that I see so many boobs and booties all up in my face. I was raised to be modest. And I’m an athlete. I think you need to respect your body with what you put it it and what you do with it. What I see makes me think that there are sooo many women who just want to be “fit” so they can get attention, not just to be healthy. Admittedly, a fit body is a beautiful body, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be on constant display. Thank you, Amber! This is why you’re my favorite.
#coverup
#strengthisbeauty
#easyisuglyLindsey Pollard on
-
While I agree with the message of this article as a whole, I also think it’s just as important to realize that nudity, the human body, and sexuality, are all completely natural. I mean this with all due respect, but I think it can be just as damaging to condemn or shame sexuality, whether it is within the fitness industry or not. Teaching women that is shameful to show skin or embrace their sexuality in order to have respect is the opposite extreme of teaching women they MUST show skin and be sexual to be successful.
I think it is a fine balance between what you are comfortable with, and the reasons for doing it. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be sexy, or wanting to show off a hard-earned physique.
At the end of the day, we are all naked human beings. Nudity is natural. Sexuality is primal. It is all so very basic, organic, even innocent. Nudity, and even sexuality, shouldnt be somehing we hide from our children. It should be a given. It’s who we are as a species. It’s biology.
I can objectively see and understand both sides of the fitness-or-porn issue. Overall this article is a very positive message, but I don’t think it is an all-or-nothing solution. Certainly a healthy body and mind should trump all.
Ultimately, as a follower of Amber’s IG page, I see her as an incredibly positive influence and an amazing athlete. She has my respect, and I completely agree that “ability, not aesthetics” is the best message we could be receiving from the fitness industry.
Props to you for sticking to your guns and sharing your experiences with us!
Joelle on
-
Thank you for making THE STAND! You said it all! that’s Exactly what on my mind! We woman should know beauty and strength comes from within!
Madeleine Png on