I jest but the suggestion did occur to me as I read last week that a US gym group is covering up its mirrors on Mondays in support of body confidence.
Mondays Without Mirrors is an initiative just launched by Blink Fitness. Every Monday (I have no idea if this is a permanent move) its gyms in New York and New Jersey will be covering up their mirrors as part of the parent group’s Every Body Happy campaign.
The campaign is based on the idea that everyone, regardless of size, deserves to be healthy. It says working out is ‘not just about what you see in the mirror’.
While I applaud the sentiment behind Blink’s campaign, covering up gym mirrors isn’t the way to go. Firstly it’s potentially dangerous and secondly we should all be encouraged to feel comfortable in our skin, not shy away from our image.
There’s a safety aspect to having mirrors in gyms. Mirrors allow you to check form. Incorrect technique when performing an exercise can result in serious injury. It’s the reason why I prefer to train with free weights in front of a mirror, particularly when I’m lifting heavy or doing moves that require me to stand on one leg.
Then there’s Instagram. While I’m no big fan of the selfie culture that has developed on social media, there is a positive aspect to it when it comes to fitness, hence the reason why I take and post gym selfies on my page (you can follow me here). Far from being a hostile and boastful environment the Instagram fitness community is one of encouragement and friendship. Gym transformation pics are applauded.
Working out at a gym makes you fit and strong – where’s the harm in spreading that message through the use of gym selfies and hashtags like #strongnotskinny?
I agree with you, while I'm not thrilled about seeing myself in lycra everytime I look in a gym mirror, it's great to be able to see the changes you're making to your body and also to ensure that what you're doing is correct x
ReplyDeleteyes absolutey Steph. Tx
DeleteThis is an interesting campaign. I actually prefer to see my reflection whilst working out as it motivates me but I can see where they are coming from I guess. I suppose it makes the environment less intimidating. I'm not sure if hiding our reflections promotes self acceptance, though?
ReplyDeleteRoxie | The Beautiful Bluebird
Yes it is an interesting experiment but I'm with you that I prefer to see my reflection. Tx
DeleteGreat article!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week-end!
Gil Zetbase
http://gilzetbase.com/
Agree! It's important to have mirrors in the gym to get the changes noticed. Every-time when I found any changes while working-out it also inspire me to do a bit more. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking this to! I can't imagine how covering up a mirror improves body confidence. As a larger girl I wanted to see the improvements and as a fit girl I want to see my form and the strain on my face. I want to motivate myself to be better. Mirror are such a huge help in the gym, can't believe they even considered it.
ReplyDelete