In recent years, many Gen Z individuals, influenced by social media and fitness influencers, have embraced intense exercise habits. Gym memberships among this generation have nearly doubled since 2020, and many are replacing nights at the pub with gym sessions. While these trends suggest a positive shift towards healthier lifestyles, there is some cause for concern.
The motivation behind this fitness obsession often stems from societal pressures, financial anxiety, and self-esteem issues rather than genuine health awareness. Social media amplifies appearance-based comparisons, leading many to work out mainly to improve their looks. Financial factors also contribute: rising pub prices make gym memberships seem like a better investment. However, the gym does not offer the same social bonding experience as the pub once did. The environment encourages isolation rather than connection.
Focusing obsessively on physical improvement is unhealthy. Shifting focus to strength and cardio, and spending time in communal outdoor activities like playing Frisbee with friends, can make Gen Zers happier. Does this generational shift truly lead to better well-being or does it simply replace one form of societal pressure with another?
Vocabulary:
• embrace (verb): to accept or adopt something enthusiastically.
• obsession (noun): a persistent, unhealthy focus on something.
• self-esteem (noun): confidence in one’s own worth or abilities.
• appearance-based (adj): focused on how something looks, especially physically.
• bonding (noun): the process of forming a close relationship.
• isolation (noun): being alone or separated from others.
• communal (adj): shared or done together as a group.
• societal (adj): related to society or social structures.
• financial anxiety (noun): stress or worry related to money.
• well-being (noun): a state of being healthy and happy.
Source: The Guardian