I realized the other day the effect our cultural differences have on fitness: we’re striving for opposite ends of the same goal. In my culture, physical “beauty” is defined by thin, delicate bodies with flat stomachs and minimal hips. So tall, hourglass me is lifting heavy weights and amping up the core work to lose my breasts and slim my hips.
But in my gym, I noticed a very thin, athletically built girl lifting 5-pound dumbbells and doing endless sets of leg lifts; in coastal culture, beautiful bodies are defined by big breasts and prominent butts. Her thin, straight frame isn’t enough here, and she’s trying to get a body more like my cursed curves.
In effect, we’re doing opposite workouts to achieve our opposite ideals of beauty. Will it work?
SUITCASE HEART 