Critique of the Fitness Industry

[@Erl0sung]

"For the Greeks, physical exercise was an ethic for developing freely and harmoniously the form and strength of the human body. For the Romans, it was a technique for increasing the legionnaire’s efficiency. The Roman conception prevails today." -Jacques Ellul, The Technological Society

[@wanheekim]

Right on. I would say it became more perverted than the Roman.

[@張建邦-k9l]

Your point of view still inspires me a lot. Keep uploading practical and useful video! YOUR FAN FROM TAIWAN.

[@wanheekim]

Thank you!

[@vinhandoquynh]

you are the only gym bro that everyone should have

[@sustaingainz7856]

Was not expecting Marx on a fitness video but I’m here for it 🎉

[@Aeshir2]

damb u real as hell for this one homie

[@schwaemmy]

I like this direction a lot- I think it invites and inspires people to approach fitness for better and simpler reasons.

[@cybergoose]

Been following you for a while and did *not* expect to hear you talk about Foucault and Marx! Love to see it!

[@considerthis768]

I'm a simple man. I see a Marxist analysis of the fitness industry and I click, watch, like and comment.

[@isaacphillips2002]

Real

[@thehannahlp]

I love that the mobility nuts and hybrid athletes are changing gym culture and bringing back holistic fitness. I'm all for holistic anything, really, and I've definitely been training more holistically lately. For the first time ever I actually have core strength! It's nice to do a bit of everything, and to be an overall healthy and fit person.

[@RageKlaps]

I love watching your videos, it motivated me and helped me loose over 45 ibs of fat specifically on your minimalistic approach of things. The most important thing that i learned was not to push myself to the point where I stop dieting or working out and go back to the old unhealthy ways of living, instead I made my routine in a way that I can sustain on a long term goal and it’s been doing wonders. Keep up the amazing work!

[@tybo6376]

good to hear it clicked for you as well

[@hgpowfotoxd8260]

Heyyy Bro, welcome to the >40 pound club. Congrats 🥳. I recently fell out of the way of minimalist training. But im getting back up. I was fully consistent for a year and a few months. Then i became overly ambitious and went on vacation. That and my mental health was enough to tip the scales. I was doing 12k steps a day easily and now i do 3k with a lot of willpower. I bought the 21DC when it went out. I’m coming back to the basics and coming right back. Progressively overloading my mindset, steps and training. I’m sure i could write more but i think that’s enough. I salute to you. Be consistent and keep trying (if you fail once like me) :)

[@RageKlaps]

@@hgpowfotoxd8260 we are all humans, failing to stay on track is nothing to be shamed of but the willpower of making a come back is what makes the difference. I hope you find success on your journey brother!

[@wanheekim]

Man I'm happy for you. This is my core message.

[@LawrencePatrimonio]

I’m glad someone’s thinking different. Everyone should hear this. 🙌

[@rahulshrestha7636]

A very critical/philosophical take on the "Fitness Industry"

[@bluevelvetcake8962]

Your class analysis on fitness industry is short but so precise. Good job Ser!🫡

[@md9121]

Thank you for posting this! Your videos are very inspiring. I have never thought working out can be so philosophical, but it totally makes sense.

[@wanheekim]

Thank you!

[@eugenartig6847]

wonderful to hear you connecting your thoughts and considering some valuable philosophical gems.

[@ribcagelove]

Never thought I would see someone on the industry referencing Marx and Adorno. Great vid.

[@rahulsinha6957]

Know this probably would get fewer views than the usual fat loss videos but this was a really interesting take! Keep it up

[@matthhieu]

This is such a good channel.

[@wanheekim]

Merci Matthieu

[@thunderrunner666]

I am warming up to the idea of working out in front of office buildings, in parks, and generally making my city a gym without having to sign up for a membership.

[@nikolausprinz9129]

Although I’ve been watching some of your videos, this one got me subscribed! Love this kind of reflection on the topic! Cool insights and food for thought, I like it man, keep it up 👍

[@JasonCheeeseball]

Some great points here especially the one about moving from gym to work to home and not exploring freely is interesting.

[@ethansun535]

This is awesome!!

[@iangrant3615]

Very interesting video! Good to step back and 'wake up' from the Matrix sometimes! We are all part of or surrounded by various 'systems' when we live as part of civilizations, and often we get so accustomed to them we forget that they are artificial!

[@Anwarboy786]

Jheez wanhee that’s deep bro, you got a whole PhD hypothesis here

[@savioc4471]

Another great video, really appreciated the deeper thinking behind actually going to the gym and fitness. And to answer your question on 6:09 it makes me think of an old proverb 더는 이 세상 제도​를 따라 틀 잡히지 말고 정신​을 새롭게 함​으로 변화​되어.

[@rahulsinha6957]

I think you'd like Byung Chul Han btw he's extended a lot of Focault's ideas to the modern age, The Burnout Society is pretty good to start with

[@Collfuse]

Obsessing over being optimal is the fastest way to body dysmorphia and steroids

[@thembolden]

I found your channel on LinkedIn 😊 I'm now a fan

[@BossmanBeasy]

Big fan of dropping Marx into gym discourse.

[@BossmanBeasy]

Damn. Adorno too 😂

[@ashish_sunny]

Must protect this man at all costs.

[@zenmonk3]

So true brother ❤

[@antfactor]

In a related concept... Clothing with major logos and obvious "branding" on them is an industry brainwashing technique designed to turn humans into advertising billboards, IMO. It's something I've never understood an attraction/appeal for.

[@intikhabahmed7594]

Love your videos

[@antfactor]

As someone approaching my 60s and seeing what's happening to many of my friend's bodies (and health!!), I realize that being more attentive to progressive training and a decent diet are keys to more enjoyment in life as one ages. And, yes... Fitness/diet fads, and their associated marketing/industries being overvalued (especially to obsessive degrees) are unhealthy. Especially to the detriment of other important aspects of life, in general. 👌 Cheers, and best!

[@Landscapec4]

I really loved the 4th. That's actually how jealousy works. You didn't want or never heard about that thing but now you see someone has it and enjoys it and now you want it too

[@ethanriley6716]

Fuck yea new video right on time for my shift

[@szelengtan1677]

Wow! Dropping truth bombs as you always do 😅❤

[@yusufbest4475]

Rather than debunk, we need to see debates on fitness and dieting..

[@jwt-nu3ei]

The primary problem is that the 'fitness' industry is basically limited to lifting for size, with little in the way of 'exit strategy' or evolution of goals once the initial transformation happens. I suspect this is largely because so many prominent people within the space are using physique (and even strength) goals as an excuse to facilitate extreme body image issues (in another example of doing certain things in a 'socially acceptable way', as you put it). You see this attitude spill over into industry, proper. For example, I've lost track of how many times I've heard recreational lifters in commercial gyms be disparaged / held up as a cautionary tale for making 'no gains' in years, almost as if the notion that the individual may not be there to put on muscle isn't even considered. Even aesthetic related training goals beyond size for size's sake are overlooked: longevity of aesthetic appearance, leanness (given the preoccupation with always adding size, many people spend their lifting years in a permanent state of bloat, influencers included), athleticism, health, longevity of athleticism and health, etc. Most the industry consists of jacked guys with shit cardio and non-existent athleticism. Where's the fun in that? And it's the complete antithesis to earlier contemporary physical culture, let alone ancient / Hellenistic ideals.

[@ajamesu]

What a new perspective, I've never thought about how industrial capitalism affects the fitness industry and how individuals think about their goals and desires. Really fascinating stuff and I'll be more mindful about this, and what "fit-ness" means for me. Thank you Wanhee

[@AndrewLinArchives]

Super cool seeing these Marxist ideas used to analyze how fitness has become a profit-driven industry. Also was cool seeing the reference to Adorno, as I studied sociology in undergrad

[@brianleung8912]

"purpose is but the slave to memory". The various industries, be it fitness, be it automotive, be it technologies, be it healthcare, be it education, be it politics....The capital class controls what we see, what we hear... In another word, our "memories" are implanted in us by the capital class, thus we are slave without knowing we are slaves. We THINK we have free will, we THINK we have free speech, but our "freedom" is mostly confined to the acceptable spectrum of thinking. We in the west are in many ways more free, but also in many ways less free than a lot of the "third world" countries we often look down on.

[@morrisseybond0212]

Love your videos! By the way, may I ask where did you get this nice knitted polo shirt? :)

[@hgpowfotoxd8260]

I have a video idea for you, wanhee. Recently i got burned out and was kinda in a rut. Maybe you should make a video how to get out of that place? Great video btw, It’s great that you share the philosophy knowledge with us. Cheers!

[@MichaelLamont-o6h]

based wanhee

[@samcassidy2441]

If this becomes a fitness and critical theory channel... I'm here for it

[@def4439]

Incredibly based ❤

[@parkatip]

i see marx and sam sulek, i click

[@ikeobanya5138]

Quoting Marx's theory of value! 😮 I'm a major fan now!!!

[@kristinasecret1767]

Hey wanhee , you ve got a post about 12 hours to subscribe to your newsletter with special presents and delete it. I was at work and can’t subscribe at this moment to the newsletter. Now I am home and it’s gone . Is there a chance to enter it?

[@theoneandonly0911]

Aight so what masters program you in???

[@AmaniHutchinson]

YOU NEED TO DROP A PODCAST!!!

[@FriendsOfOurs420]

Based Marxist take on the fitness industry✊

[@RolemodelU]

GREAT video 👏

[@channers625]

Killing it

[@juanescobedo6380]

BASED

[@jessicawilson1329]

If you can reference both Marx and Foucault in one short video, you are my kind of fitness "influencer"/human being. Keep up the great work!

[@AbdulRahim-cu7y]

Hi Wanhee! Do you edit videos yourself or have you hired someone? I’m an editor and would love to discuss, if you’re interested

[@tybo6376]

Didn't know wanhee was based like that

[@casadechris923]

Seen ur name is Korean, not sure how frequent if ever u go to Seoul. The beauty and fitness industry in Korea is the severe max of ny country I ever visited or listed. I was based in Seoul for seven years. After moving to Bangkok I still go back on annual holidays. U pop into any fitness club and people are head to toe in name brands. My friends would say.... Monday is Lululemon day so bag, wallet, cap, shit, shorts and towel r that day. Wednesday Under at our, Friday is Nike weekends r for more trendy high end brands. Btw fitness clubs here in Asia r shocking compared to USA. The Virgin Active fitness I use in Bangkok has an pool, Pilates, group classes, locker rooms with body lotions, shampoo, wet and dry sauna, clothing and towels all for ur usage. They partner up with whey brands, all kinds of foods and products and they push u to “invest on ur internal” discipline. To some it at least in Korea, their beauty standards to get a job, date, marry are so intense I found most of my friends were anxiety prone and always having to spend their salary on things because they need to basically “ keep up with the Kims”

[@salsol0038]

good bro

[@YashBudhiraja]

was not expecting such a based take from you tbh

[@JackSparrow-mb3zo]

Wow, definitely a powerful and controversial video. A lot of this really resonates with me; however I have to disagree with the stuff against capitalism. It does have many defects, but it's really the only way for a free society to function. Because of capitalism, we have the freedom to go to the gym or exercise with alternative means. Because of capitalism, we have the freedom to make and watch powerful videos like this one! I definitely think though that the modern fitness industry is trying to get us to fit a mold that we need to break out of. Thanks for great videos like this!

[@bananaclub69]

Socialism is when no gym and KZbin videos. You my friend are really “smart”.

[@DaddyWoIfie]

Back 2 Back Informative Bombs

[@nurseey7326]

Hello bro, can you do a muscle up?

[@Sudz_0_0]

Yo

[@aloah030]

I think the main issue is hypergamy. To get sex with a good looking woman these days you have to be way better looking yourself than was ever required in past eras. It's very akin to inflation in that now pretty much all guys have muscles and sub-15% bodyfat, so if you want to impress women you have to have 10%, etc.. Obviously the fitness industry is trying to generate profit, but the even bigger problem in my opinion is that we ourselves are trying to raise the market value of our bodies in the dating market, which often ends up superseding our own preferences in terms of what we want to look like. I've always wanted to just be lean and thought of big muscles as a relic ideal from primitive times in which men had to be able to physically fight for survival. Now I'm wondering if I'm stupid for having decided to not do steroids because my gains aren't coming along quick enough. I think we really have to come to terms with the fact that if you have an average or subpar face you're not gonna get the pretty women anyway, no matter how big we get at the gym. because at the end of the day that's what most of us are trying to get out of it. Once that realisation has settled we should be more free to pursue our own health- and aesthetic goals.

[@AminsDream]

Honestly I think there's so much wrong in this comment. Starting off with the self pity "it's so much harder nowadays". That mentality makes you less attractive. It also carries with it a certain "my future women isn't worthy of my best self but of my mediocre self". Then the straight up lie that all people have 10-15% body fat and muscles. Have you looked around? Most people are out of shape, overweight and nowhere near muscular. If dating market standards supercede what you want, then you have to realise that you don't HAVE to be absolutely jacked. You can work on other areas of you character which are arguably just, if not more important for finding a partner. Even jacked guys who don't have any humor, or personality can't find a partner. Yes, they might find a hook-up easier, but why are you looking for a hook-up instead of a partner? Then instantly jumping to the conclusion of "should've taken juice". What does this say about you? That you're not diligent and impatient and that you don't have the confidence in yourself. Finally to finish it off you appeal to the doomer mindset of "it's hopeless". No it's not you can work on so much more than your looks. With all this pointed out, I hope you realise that based on this post alone there are plenty of red flags you can be working on, instead of falling into despair. I know this comment sounded harsh but the way you'll take it will say more about you than me.

[@lio123mombach]

I‘m a simple (working) man. I see Karl Marx - I like the video!

[@drss90]

I always enjoyed fitness, I dont feel my freedom is compromised in any way.

[@LM-sy4pm]

Big fan of your videos but surely it’s a bit ironic that you sell courses for 200+ usd no?

[@evanlovely7281]

is it? being critical of capitalism doesn't magically allow you not to participate, nor does it mean you shouldn't pursue wealth.

[@RajuAhmed-sy7ys]

A lot of hippy waffle that doesn’t really say anything

[@brunaishuman]

Yeah, I see what you are doing there.... Using coaching and alpha male talking points to turn people to the sweet embrace of marxism. Yeah. Nice one.

[@Mattguuuuz]

“I didn’t necessarily give solutions”, let’s be real, this sums up most people who read Marx and Foucault. Great at complaining about the current thing and deconstructing society, not good at coming up with something useful in the real world. I like Eisenhowers perspective, if you’re going to complain, be ready to have a solution. And utopian ideals are not a solution.

[@annguyenz]

You looked like a Korean. Can you ask your parents how is North Koreans doing ?

[@alexeyr2872]

Exactly my thought. Socialits are so small-minded...

[@maxie34332]

You contradict yourself brother. First you're saying that fitness is all about profit. And then suggesting to play basketball or do jujutsu or whatever. You're missing that all these activities are businesses too, and there are industries around them also. So what makes you think that only bodybuilding is doing it wrong when in reality all sports are monetized and exploited for profit. You sound like a hypocrite blaming "fitness" and conveniently forgetting to apply your logic to other activities. Well I think you're doing it on purpose to boost your views. So you're just another actor in this capitalistic madness. What a shame.