Are fit people healthy? Health, exercise, active living and the body in fitness discourse

Abstract

In today's society, individuals are faced with an abundance of information detailing how to keep fit and healthy. Therefore, what advice should one follow? To answer this question, I examine what is meant by such concepts as health, physical fitness, exercise, active living and physical activity. As these concepts assume multiple meanings, for my analysis, I have chosen to examine first the scholarly research surrounding fitness and second, the material produced by the popular media. I conclude that while the research information is quite different from the popular fitness advice, both are constructed through particular social discourses. Furthermore, I demonstrate how fitness practices can become problematic. As informed consumers, we need to be aware of such problems and as educators we need to work to overcome the limitations of the current fitness practices.