Fitness companies and workout class instructors have discovered the profitability of allowing adults to live out their childhood dreams: flying like fairies. Instead of magical wings and fairy dust, people (primarily women) wear harnesses hanging from the ceilings and jump/float around fitness studios. These bungee-style classes have gone viral across social media, with most comment sections split between “this lowkey looks fun” and “Americans will do anything but workout”. Harness style workouts are one in a wider trend of “unconventional” workouts. The list includes rapid-fire jumping on mini trampolines, rhythmically banging drum sticks on exercise balls, and dance-jumping routines in off-brand moon shoes.
It’s hard to separate the criticism these videos receive from the fact that the people doing these workouts are primarily women. Many forms of exercise that are associated with women/femininity (Pilates, Zumba, etc.) are dismissed by men as too easy or beneath them. It is true that some of these classes are designed to be beginner-friendly and accessible, but that doesn’t take away from their value.
It’s an interesting paradox that the same people who criticize “unserious” exercise routines/methods go on to scrutinize others’ bodies and call them lazy for not working out. Why is it that when elderly people take on very-low impact exercise routines they are praised for their willpower, but when women or disabled people seek fitness communities that aren’t hyper-competitive or ultra-serious they are mocked and ridiculed? The fact is that fitness is often very specific to an individual, and assuming that everyone’s goal is a 6 pack or an imitation BBL build is very unrealistic. Health goals can vary from being able to stand up after falling to being able to complete an entire ironman, so it makes no sense to hold everyone to the same standards.
If flying around in a harness is what someone is able and willing to do consistently, then they should fly to their heart’s desire. As the saying goes, the best workout routine is the one that someone will actually be able to follow.
While these types of workouts may be silly, they’re an easy way for people to get exercise, and making workouts fun gets more people into healthy lifestyles. Many people avoid workout out because it can be a difficult thing to get into, so anything that removes barriers to health improvements can only be positive.
