Fitness
Afghan women defy Taliban gym ban with secret fitness clubs
Hidden within the basement of a personal house within the Afghan capital Kabul, gymnasium teacher Laila Ahmad takes a gaggle of ladies by way of a clandestine train class — the home windows are blacked out, there isn’t a pumping music and guests arrive by a again door.
The Taliban banned girls from gyms and parks final month, one other clampdown in a progressive erosion of their freedoms that drew swift worldwide condemnation.
However Ahmad, a 41-year-old divorcee with {qualifications} in bodybuilding and yoga, stays defiant.
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Fitness
New Research Says Social Media Could Have a Positive Influence on Our Fitness
Social media is often painted as the villain when it comes to our health. And with countless Reels filling up our feeds with dubious and unregulated health advice, it comes as no surprise. On the other hand, many in the fitness space find their social media feeds a source of inspiration and an opportunity to connect with other health-conscious individuals.
Whatever side of that debate you fall on, science has weighed in with new evidence showing that social media might not be as bad as we once thought, while shedding light on what really gets us moving, and why.
Turns out showing off six pack abs and perfectly curated content may not be the thing truly motivating us. Who knew?
The Study
The research, published in the International Journal of Information Management, aimed to provide insights into the effectiveness of various types of social media content for promoting physical activity. It examined factors such as how users use social media, how they perceive t fitness content, and their intentions regarding exercise after viewing the content.
The Methods
The research is composed of two parts that investigate the factors that influence social media engagement and its influence on participants engaging in movement in the UK. The first study, based on existing online content and the trust in information published on social media, analysed exercise participation as a result of fitness content on social media.
The second part, based on the findings of the first study, investigated what type of specific information published on social media can generate a greater impact on the promotion of physical activity and the motivate individuals to improve their current levels of fitness.
The study examined factors such as user engagement levels, perceptions of the content, and intentions regarding physical activity.
The Results
- The study revealed that social media users engaged more with fitness content when it featured individuals who deviated from conventional perceptions of thinness and muscularity.
- Highlighting the intrinsic benefits (how training makes us feel) of sports and fitness practices resonated particularly positively with the participants.
- Aligning individuals with the same gender as the user appeared vital for engagement.
- Although nuanced, these insights provide valuable guidance for tailoring content to maximise its impact on users and enhance their motivation to get fitter. It can also give you an insight into what type of social media content is likely to give your motivation the biggest boost.
The Conclusion
The study concluded that users engaging with social media content focused on physical activity had the potential of increased intentions to improve their physical fitness. The study emphasised the importance of featuring individuals with varied and realistic body types, while highlighting the intrinsic benefits of physical activity related to personal wellbeing. It also showed that aligning individuals with content from those of the same gender was found to be essential for engagement.
What This Means for Us
The research found that more intrinsically focused content (e.g. how training feels rather than how it makes us look) is more likely to get us moving. This sentiment is echoed in numerous studies examining the value of intrinsic motivators vs extrinsic for exercise adherence.
The findings offer valuable insights for tailoring our content to maximise its impact on our engagement and also encourage the likelihood of us participating in exercise. We can do this by following:
- Credible sources
- Sources that have a focus on the health benefits of exercise rather than just the aesthetics
- A diverse range of different body types from different demographics
Kate is a fitness writer for Men’s Health UK where she contributes regular workouts, training tips and nutrition guides. She has a post graduate diploma in Sports Performance Nutrition and before joining Men’s Health she was a nutritionist, fitness writer and personal trainer with over 5k hours coaching on the gym floor. Kate has a keen interest in volunteering for animal shelters and when she isn’t lifting weights in her garden, she can be found walking her rescue dog.
Fitness
Toe tap with high knees — Today's Tip
- Today’s Tip
Fit this workout into your day!
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 3:02PM
Shoshana shows us a workout to get your heart rate up and invigorate your whole body.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Shoshana shows us a workout to get your heart rate up and invigorate your whole body.
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