The Evolution of Bodybuilding/Fitness Through Digital Cooperation

Bilal Shah

Background Information Bodybuilding has gained a lot of popularity over the course of the past half century. It has evolved into a way of life that millions of individuals follow. This phenomenon is believed to be established by Eugen Sandow, who is considered the father of bodybuilding. "Ah! That is not my case.  I just eat and drink what I want, when I want.  Good, wholesome, plain food I find to be best." (Sandow pg. 135). However his contribution is somewhat belittled by the emergence of the internet. Anyone with access to the internet is capable of making a contribution and also taking from it. Through websites like bodybuilding.com, muscleandfitness.com, crossfit.com etc. many fitness enthusiast individuals have surfaced to supply a great deal of helpful tips, and information to others. This act of collaboration is vast as it extends into hundreds of thousands of websites and forums. The collaboration is often done through debate on different realms of fitness. The debates are usually conducted in a free for all manner, where every individuals is able to state their opinion based on a certain question. The authentication of the information is in the hands of the reader as most of the information in the blogs/websites/ forums is backed up by personal experience rather than scientific research.

There has also been a rise of YouTube fitness trainers that have committed themselves to help others. This participatory culture of videos resembles that of the written word which resembles information given verbally from a fellow fitness enthusiast. However the authenticity/scientific backing of the information is questioned here as well. The way the communication is conducted is different. A Fitness trainer/guru states his/her opinion in a video format and the viewers usually leave comments based on what they think is accurate.

Why is this Research Important?

This research is essential because it is aimed to address the validity of the quality of data being collaborated. This information given by contributors can be harmful to the individuals starting their fitness journey. Not only could it affect their time but also their health and financial security.

The smart phones today are flooded with application that may be useful to track ones fitness routine. There has been a great emphasis on ease of use and easy access to content. "I've been using S Health now for about 2 months every week at least 2 - 3 times a week for the exercise portion. I have had the pedometer on basically for the length of the time I've had the phone counting my every step. I've bought the Samsung Fit and now record my sleep as well as my heart rate while exercising, and I do have to agree that this app is very basic as far as exercise options. In fact, that's what Samsung wanted to do, to create an app that would be simple enough for the average individual who buys the smartphone to get motivated to live a healthier lifestyle” (Devine 2014). This application helps one create data but the interpretation of that data accurately is important. If the user is following advice that is not credible, it can have negative repercussion not just on the person himself but also the people he/she shares the information with.

Research Question & why is this Question Important?

Through the development of participatory culture in the bodybuilding universe, there has been rise of the term bro-science. In where the information coming from a person of large physical presence is taken predominately without scientific research. What are the possible negative impacts from this practice? And how has it transcended into different platforms? There has been several different claims made by individuals that others have taken upon them to prove its validity. Through this they are able to concretely state whether a claim is a myth or fact. By analyzing different medium of communication of fitness, one can spot a trend and attempt to find a way to separate credible information from others.

Methods

The research will be conducted by looking at fitness trends of the past and how it compares to today. There have been a change in language associated with different elements which have been greatly impacted by the media present at the time. Also a qualitative method will be adopted where the users of these apps/websites will be interviewed for possible changes that have equated from the rise of the internet. They will be asked question regarding their experience with the feedback received online and how credible did they deem it. Their opinions will play a role in determining the depth at which the online community plays a role in their fitness routine. The dependency upon these services will be measured by participating myself in the forums and applications.

'''Boarder Concepts'''

            There are many of areas of study where this topic is relevant. The contribution of users on this forum can be considered “free labor” as they have no monetary gain from it. They assumedly do it for the same reasons software develop free software. The passion for the task and its growth/awareness. This also ties with fan culture as there are groups that prefer one way of fitness over the other. For example: Some people prefer to working out one major muscle group while others prefer upper and lower body split. The effectiveness of either or can vary based on the individual rather than the exercises.

'''Possible Sources'''

Sandow, E., & Adam, G. (1894). ''Sandow on physical training a study in the perfect type of the human form ...'' New York: J.S. Tait & Sons.

Devine, R. (2014, July 30). Using the S Health app on the Samsung Galaxy S5. From http://www.androidcentral.com/using-s-health-app-samsung-galaxy-s5

10 of the most absurd claims in the Fitness Industry: “Bro-Science” Dispelled: Shytown. (n.d.). From http://www.shyacademy.com/bro-science-dispelled-10-of-the-most-absurd-claims-by-fitness-resources/

Bro, Do You Even Lift And The History of Trending Lifting Terms. (2014, December 23). From http://gainweightjournal.com/bro-do-you-even-lift-and-the-history-of-trending-lifting-terms/

Elliot, D. (2010, July 5). 5 Nutrition And Training Myths of Bro Science vs. Exercise Science, Part 3! From http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/5-nutrition-training-myths-bro-science-vs-exercise-science-part3.htm

Eunjang Cha, A. (2015, September 5). Scientists tested 30 Apple iPhone fitness apps for the quality of their workouts. Guess how many passed? From https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2015/07/31/scientists-tested-30-apple-iphone-fitness-apps-for-the-quality-of-their-workouts-guess-how-many-passed/

How Can One Use The Internet To Help With Their Fitness Goals? (2009, July 6). From http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/internet_helps_fitness_goals.htm

Kleeman, S. (2015, September 30). Turns Out Fitness Apps Really Do Help You Exercise More - Here's Why. From http://mic.com/articles/126041/best-fitness-apps-and-why-they-help-us-exercise-more

Nordin, P. (2013, January 2). 25 More Fitness Myths Crushed By Pauline Nordin! From http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/25-more-fitness-myths-crushed-by-pauline-nordin.html

Siteman, D. (n.d.). Mike Chang Has the #1 Fitness Channel on YouTube: How the Heck Did He Do It? From http://www.therisetothetop.com/interviews-guests/how-did-mike-chang-get-the-number-one-fitness-channel-on-youtube/

Team, G. (2014, December 31). Gabe Moen: How the Internet Changed Bodybuilding | Generation Iron. From http://generationiron.com/gabe-moen-internet-changed-bodybuilding/