In our ever-changing society, the one common thread that now every American seems to possess is a desire to have a body that is not hour-glass (1950s) nor waifish (1990s), but one that is lean, trim, and can physically go the extra mile. I speculate that the all-around athletic look is so popular because it is probably one of the hardest body types to achieve. In earlier times, hour-glass figures were the product of genetics and corsets, and the emaciated Kate Moss look could simply be achieved by starvation. To be physically fit inside and out is something that every person can control and achieve, but only through strong self-discipline. The $52.9 billion fitness industry is constantly coming out with activities and products designed to get and keep us interested in working out (Whigham-Desir 84). Two of these types of work-outs, specifically Tae-Bo and Spinning, were created just for the purpose of keeping us interested in working out. Despite this revolution in the fitness industry, many false preconceived notions about losing weight persevere and impede the movement.As the media bombard the American public with unrealistic images, a new obsession with fitness has hit the markets. With more and more people aiming to lose weight, the fitness industry has been pressured to accommodate the high demands for efficient and entertaining workouts. This greater variety of work-outs hitting the market is a result of the diverse types of people who are trying to get in shape. Health clubs are no longer only for those 20-30 year olds who are in competitive training or those who need to be fit as a job requirement. Instead, these facilities are now packed with people of all ages, and various skill and fitness levels. Due to this increase in a broad spectrum of beginners, different exercise programs designed to accommodate these differences have recently been introduced. One of these trendy workouts that have become extremely popu...
