· 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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Love this. I am a college hockey player and athletics have truly shaped me inside and out. They have been both a blessing and a curse. As a nursing student, there are days when the last thing I want to do after an 8 hour clinical is head to the rink and weight room for three hours. With that said, there is no better way to end a stressful day then to work your ass off along side a group of girls that have truly become a family.
Being an athlete is all about balance. Unfortunately, the so called “fitness industry” has misrepresented what it means to be an athlete by idolizing bikini competitors and extreme body builders. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that these individuals don’t work their asses off to look the way they do, but what are they really taking away from it? A trophy? 15 minutes of fame until they start their next cut? I might be the asshole who believes fitness competitions are bullshit but I can promise you that there is more to life then killing yourself to look a certain way.M on
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I agree with the statement that today’s fitness industry is completely oversexed, fake and pornographic; the sad thing is that although these typical fitness models do have great toned and athletic bodies, nobody gives a damn about that because their silicon racks are taking up 80% of the picture, prominently displayed, pushed up and out, screaming for attention. The most pathetic thing I find though is the fact they call themselves “athletes”. I’m sorry hun, but until the Olypmic committee announces to include “oiled-up inflated bodies sexy posing” as a new discipline, the only thing you are is an insult to all the REAL athletes out there.
juls on
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I was actually just discussing this with friends. These women work hard to get their bodies like this. diet /exercise…..and then the photographer comes along….." spread ur legs"…… " bend forward…we need more cleavage"……
What about the work they put into looking like that.Edgar Poe on
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I whole heartedly believe every word written. I wish everything was easy & clean. But it’s not. Many who aspire to fitness heights usually do so to combat or overcome feelings of inadequacy. May it be over weight, sexual trauma or bullying, fragile states still exist. I have a degree in psychology, masters work. This is strictly an observation…
But we need people like you speaking out. We’ve strengthened our bodies now people like you need to help shore up the psyche of those who’s heads haven’t caught up with their own bodies strength. Mind ~ Body ~ Spirit All the best to you all.Johnny on
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Well, I attended my first bodybuilding contest since probably the 80’s. The female portion mainly bikini and fiqure, left me shaking my head in disappointment. Let’s see fake hair, lashes, breast , tans, fingernails, and who knows what else “posing” pushing their butts ( gotta love that pose) out trying to convince a panel of judges( all men no doubt) that their assets are deserving of a trophy and after picking up "training " a year or so ago , a pro card. I found myself wondering the difference between this and any other bikini contest. Also I wasn’t sure if I was suppose to deposit my dollar bills somewhere or not. I didn’t mean to stiff any one. No, It was very sad. I suspect there was a lot of low self-esteem in that room. And if your body is the art work why then ruin it with all the ink as so many have. Understand I appreciate people who want to be fit or muscular or ripped ( especially those that don’t walk around as if carrying a sign saying look at me. But i just didn’t get it. Something felt really wrong about it. Sort of like toddlers and tiaras, or like pro-cheerleading is about team support. yeah then why the scant outfits and calandars. Or I need breast implants so my clothes fit better, or like suzanne sommers, have plastic surgery then come out with books on exercise and beauty. And seems a lot of these girls want to inspire young girls. To inspire them to what I don’t know . Fitness is a good thing, the body was meant to move. But I believe that the “fitness industry” is less about fitness and more about money, greed and magic potions, self promotion and better marketing through softcore sexploitation. And for those who claim to struggle previously with weight and now have become obsessed with exercise and so forth my question would be- did you not just trade one idol for another? Go ahead and be “fit Mom” but get over your self your not as special as you think you are. Anyway if you doubt the sexual conotations just pick up a muscle mag and see some of the ads. Sad how some girls speak out against the exploits but take a look at their photos they are just as much a part of it but in their mind they justify it. But clearly this is in keeping pace with the world. Walk in to a clothing store and you will see that the world wants to dress your daughters like Las Vegas strip street walkers. No girl needs to wear shorts with 1/2 to 1 inch in-seems.( I’ve seen more butt while dropping my daughter off at the local high school in three months than a proctologist’s office in a year). So so sad. Where are the parents. But I guess in their low self esteemed life they need all the attention and will do what ever to get it . It is so sad. Not how the Creator intended it, but leave it to man to muck it all up. If beauty really is from with-in you won’t need to pose seductively or get naked or consult a surgeon, pharmacist, judging panel, or anybody else to confirm it. But sadly this is what many females and males have bought into. But for females I believe that they are more concerned about their harshest critics . Not men but other women. I heard a survey on the radio that said that 4 out of 5 women don’t think they are attractive. That is a sad, sad statistic. And like any addict will tell you, the high doesn’t last for long so you need to keep chasing that which will never satisfy. One good thing that I can say about the contest. Thankfully my wife and daughters were not in attendance. Thanks , butt no thanks, my daughters don’t need your inspiration.
Jay on
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We are all created with the grace and ability to do the best we can with what have! I love nothing more than working out and feeling great, looking after this Temple and honouring God with it and knowing I’m painting this canvas of a body the best I can, in excellence. It’s more than aesthetics, it’s being free to be the best we can with the grace we have been given to worship a great God and share this with others. To do it for sex or sexual attention is degrading the person we are and who wants to sell your body for the approval of others, it’s so much more #clutch to enjoy it with your Father and bless others along the way!!
Chelsea Watkins on