Challenging The Stereotypes of Athletes
and Physical Activity.
When I started getting fit and active
in the past year, I've started noticing stereotypes being thrown
around based on the certain physical activity I decided to
participate in. Whether it was yoga, lifting weights, swimming,
boxing, running, or climbing, there is this apparent stigma and
persona associated with each sport and I thought it would be
interesting to examine what I see as stereotypes, and how I don't fit
into any of these, but maybe all three simultaneously.
I would first like to separate them
into 3 different athletic categories.
- Yuppy/Outdoor Athlete
- Olympic Style Performer and Competitor
- Body Power-House Athlete
Number 1 is pretty easy to stereotype.
Most of these people involve themselves in outdoor activities,
whether it be rock climbing, hiking, running, cycling, skiing, or
snow shoeing and yoga . Wear very similar clothes, typically North
face, Lululemon, Mountain Hardware and REI.
Number 2 is also very easy to
stereotype. They focus on what they are good at, they strive to
compete against a number of people but have one goal in mind, to win.
They not only challenge themselves, but are very competitive with
anyone who may presume better at their sport than they are. They
usually stick to one sport. Either they are swimmers, runners, or
cyclists typically speaking. They usually wear Nike, Adidas, or Puma,
or any other major sports brand.
Number 3 is a little harder to
identify. Most die hard bodybuilders or MMA sport athletes, (yes I
know its also an olympic sport too) do compete with others. But they
also focus on their own physique and how to gain more muscle, or work
on their fighting techniques. Many of these people tend to fall
under the title of being meat-heads, in other words, they don't think
about anything else but building muscle or their next fight.
Tattooed, tanned/dark skinned people with a tough attitude is what
they wear most.
I think many people can identify
themselves into one group or the other. However, I am having a really
hard time doing that for myself. When I got into shape and started
getting really active in many things, I was drawn to several
different sports. I gravitated to yoga and kickboxing, where
according to these two typical stereotypes, they are worlds apart.
I also love to lift weights, but before
that I was a real die-hard yogi. In between sports, I was challenging
myself to run a 5K. I got really fast. I also equally enjoy rock
climbing and challenge myself every time I climb. But you see, all of
these are in different categories. I didn't just pick a sport to see
to if I fit into that category.
The general rule of thumb is if you
practice yoga, you must become a yogi and adopt everything that has
to do with yoga as your dogma of belief. Same goes for weight
lifting, if I am caught lifting weights, people automatically assume
I am a meat-head. Maybe, that title is thrown towards the male sect
of humanity, but its still a large assumption that just because you
enjoy a particular sport, you are categorized automatically to fit
into that certain group and wear that persona.
I could see the argument come up about
why you are practicing a certain sport. My reason's vary, but its
usually because I get bored quickly, and I love being active and
trying different/new things. Plus my main reasoning isn't to compete
with the next best athlete, but to challenge myself and to stay in
shape.
I love practicing yoga because it gives
me a sense of groundedness and focus, and when I weight lift, it
gives me a sense of strength and perseverance. When I run, it gives
me bursts of energy like nothing else. When I kick box, it relieves
stress and gives me strength. When I climb, it has helped me overcome
my fear of heights and challenges me to climb harder.
As far as my clothing and persona goes,
I have a plethora of brands in my closet. From Nike and Adidas, to
REI and Northface. I have one tattoo on my foot, and I am white as
they come. I tend to be a jack of all trades in what I enjoy and
pursue in physical activity. And I beg to differ that I must or have
to pick one sport to get really good at. Its just not my style. Nor
is putting labels on people and throwing them in boxes....
I am writing this for people who may
have also struggled with the stereotypes that come with staying
active, and perhaps have given people caution to pursue certain
activities because the pressure to perform and compete is very
demanding, or what it may look to others. I challenge those who put
people in typical boxes to reconsider your limitations to exploring
new and exciting ways to stay in shape.
Sincerely, One Disillusioned Athlete.
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