After a few days of going around, I observed something. How lonely it felt.
On the surface, gyms look social. They are full of people. Group classes are packed and influencers constantly speak about “the community.” Yet everyone walks in with headphones on, eyes locked forward, avoiding accidental eye contact, so focused on their own workout. The space is shared, but the experience feels… lonely.
Fitness culture is more than just about health; it is about aesthetics and comparison
Social media has not exactly helped. Fitness culture today is more than just about health; it is about aesthetics and comparison. Motivation quickly turns into pressure and instead of feeling inspired, individuals feel as though they are permanently falling behind in a competition they never even signed up for. Improvement becomes public. And somehow, that makes the journey feel even more solitary.
There is also an unspoken hierarchy. Beginners hover near the walls, cautiously observing equipment. Meanwhile, seasoned gym-goers are very terrotorial. For those who are not “fit enough,” the gym can feel more like constant judgement. And for those deeply immersed in gym culture, the pursuit of perfection can consume them. Miss a week? Injured? Gained weight? It suddenly feels less like a setback and more like a personal failure.
Ironically, a place meant to improve mental health can sometimes increase insecurity. Yes, exercise reduces stress. But culture matters. And this is not to say gyms cannot grow a community. Many people do find friendships and support there - I did!
The great thing about our university is that we have so many clubs related to practically everything. So if you want to get into powerlifting, gymnastics, or anything your heart can fancy, go to the NUSU website, you can build a real community there!
Because maybe the issue is not the gym itself, but how we choose to exist within it.