· 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
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Yes, yes, yes!! I could not agree more! I hope you can make that change.
Jodee on
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I am a Suit Designer and a Mother of 3 girls. One of my daughters did a Bikini Competition this summer with SAF (Serious About Fitness). I have to say, there is a lot of good in this industry along with the bad, and by talking about the “elephant in the room” we can make a difference.
I agree that the suits need to be closely monitored at registration before a show… If you are in a back pose and we do not see material… it is a thong. I also believe there should be a person back stage to dbl check if suits are appropriate. As a spectator I do not want to see that much of the body.
You can ask any of my clients about the cut of my suits. I have been doing this for 15 years now, and have always stayed in the 50% rule of thumb for coverage on the bum. I have lost a few sales because I do not advertise the butterfly thong suit, but I have excelled my reputation for Quality and Fit.
There are a few ways to make a change.
1. support federations that judge the suit before show time, and follow up the day of the show back stage.
2. Support Federations that offer a clean environment to compete in, so that it is a fair competition.
3. speak out to the federations if you see excessive booty on stage, they do listen.Help keep this industry focused on Fitness and Healthy Lifestyles in and out of the gym.
Regards,
Joan (www.DDFwear.com) Canadian Made SuitsJoan Mac Donald on
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Thank you! I am sickened at the way we have allowed fitness to turn into porn! Sadly, ladies aren’t the only ones falling into this. I see just as many photos of guys with unbuttoned pants, or artistically draped sheets as I do women in next to nothing, offering their bodies for free.
I understand the dedication and hard work it takes to achieve results, and the temptation to show the results.
I just wish more people realized that they appear to be prostituting themselves for virtual affirmation from strangers.
As a mom of three kids, nothing frightens me more than this trend…kris on
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It is sad these days all too many “photographers” try to take advantage of the young girls so desperate to be famous, encouraging nudity and worse. see below one such accusation and a real famous photog living the dream life of shooting beauty ever day. Sadly not all photographers are professional seems these days anyone with a DSLR can invite young aspirational youths to get naked in the name of art.
http://www.vox.com/2014/6/19/5817806/terry-richardson-explainerTonyM1 photography on
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It’s refreshing to hear and see female fitness icons with good morals, and positive mind sets. Thank you!
Danielle Brown on
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I’m so happy you wrote such a thoughtful and well-spoken blog on this topic, Amber. This is something I’ve been noticing so often lately. Although everyone is entitled to their way of presenting themselves through fitness, I think more and more women are feeling the pressure to be borderline pornographic to get noticed (for any reason) in fitness and the message being sent to the younger generations is no better than the message sent by fashion magazines with their airbrushed, super skinny models as the ideal representation of beauty.
In response to Mark…
You are obviously entitled to your opinion, but I’m sorry…you’re wrong. Not everyone in fitness is 99% about trying to look and feel sexy or appeal to others in a sexual way. Not EVERYTHING is based on sex. I, personally, have struggled with a lot in life. Fitness and healthy nutrition fueled my body in a really positive way that established a balance in my life. Fitness put my mind and spirit back together. I do this for ME and no one else, but I wish to inspire others that your mind and heart can be healed through this lifestyle, which is why I became a personal trainer and nutritionist. NOT for sex appeal. I know I am not the only one. There are many others who’ve been through the ups and downs of life who found peace and balance through a healthy and fit lifestyle.
Tanya on