Pandemic Health and Fitness

Acknowledgments

Preface

Brief Description of our Participants

1 Introduction: Pandemic Health and Fitness

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Gym Experiences Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

1.3 Phenomenology and Semiotics: A Theoretical Orientation

1.3.1 Phenomenology and Semiotics: Gyms as Habit Forming

1.3.2 Good Habits and Bad: Gyms as Deadly

1.4 Research Methods and Ethical Considerations

1.5 Book Structure

2 Workout Choreography

2.1 Introduction

2.2 A Walk through the Riverwalk

2.3 Belonging to a Gym Space

2.4 Pandemic Choreography

2.5 Conclusions: New Choreographies during the COVID-19 Pandemic

3 Reflections and Refractions

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Reflecting and Refractive Mirrors in Gyms: Fitness Ideologies

3.3 Boundless Mirrors

3.4 Conclusions: "The Most Narcissistic Exercise Equipment Ever"

4 Training

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Backstage Passes

4.2.1. Training in Practice: Modeling and Imitation

4.3 Two Fitness Trainers/Instructors: Morgan and Sophia

4.3.1 Morgan

4.3.2 Sophia

4.4 Competitive Stances in Fitness Practices

4.5 Conclusions: Transformative Training Experiences

5 Dangers

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Narrating Fitness: Everyday Dangers

5.3 "You are Overdoing it!": Training and Exercising (Off) Limits

5.4 (Re-)Gendered Refractions in Gym Spaces

5.5 "Food is Poison!": Dangerous Nutritional Advice by Fitness Instructors/Trainers

5.6 Conclusions: Dangerous Balances

6 Exercising Groups

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Exercising in Groups at the Riverwalk

6.3 Undergoing a Bootcamp Class with Sophia

6.4 Intimate Group Workouts with Sophia

6.5 Zoom Group Exercising during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

6.6 Conclusions: "We are Still Together!"

Conclusion: American Fitness Histories and Possible Futures

7.1 Introduction

7.2 The "Americanness" of Gym Culture?

7.3 The Future of Global Gym Culture?

References

Appendix: Transcription and Abbreviation Conventions

Index