Posted on March 20, 2017 by Jenny Cromack
This weeks article is another installment of my PhD studies. The previous articles have higlighted my findings that associate muscularity with the enhance ment of masculinity and the empowerment of an independent feminine identity. What follows are the ongoing findings of my final study which broadens the scope of muscularity and it’s benefits on controlling our identities. So, let’s look at weight training and identity control.
Within the current study I have been interacting with individuals in two separate gyms where I have been observing their behaviours and discussing their experiences and believes associated with weight training. What has emerged is that the benefits of muscularity, whether this has a functional or image emphasis, expand beyond one single identity. It proves beneficial for these individuals to create a gym based identity (e.g., a powerlifter or habitual weigth trainer) but the individuals I engaged with expressed further benefits.
As individuals we create multiple identities as take on various social roles throughout our lives and it appears that the posession of muscularity can aid the management of these identities and the fulfillment of our roles. Within the study I began looking at the driving force behind wanting to posess muscularity and so far five “types” of trainer have emerged. These typologies are Illusionists, Promoters, Intimidators, Enhancers, and Internalists (see figure 1).
Figure 1. Weight Trainer Typologies
The Illusionists
These use muscularity to mask deficiencies in their identity or insinuate skills they may not physically possess. For example one individual uses his muscular physique to portray dominance, confidence, and control when fulfilling his role as a coach and instructor. When he describes himself however he stated he was not a dominant or extroverted personality but his physique was a way he could project this in his role.
The Promoters
Use their muscularity to promote their competencies, knowledge, and abilities. For example a gym owner uses his physique as a “business card” to advertise his competency, knowledge, and experience as a PT.
The Intimidators
Intimidators use their physical appearance to strike fear and caution into others to benefit them within their social role. For example a business teacher suggested his muscularity allowed him to control a disruptive classroom, and encouraged respect from his students through intimidation.
The Enhancers
Enhancers use their physiques to optimise and project a particular identity. For example, some of the men sought muscular strong physiques to enhance their sense of masculinity both for themselves and to meet the expectations of society.
The Internalist
These found the possession of muscularity and strength to improve their sense of self internally. These individuals found that by being stronger and more muscular they had better self-esteem, confidence, and could create a sense of inner strength. These individuals suggested that their overall personal identity was stronger and able to overcome life challenges. They were not overly concerned with projecting an identity to others but create a stronger internal identity.
These typologies are not exclusive and individuals may adopt different typologies depending upon the social role and identity in question. Next weeks blog will look into the specific role muscularity plays in managing all these identities. Combined with this article it will (hopefully) provide some insight into the global benenfits of developing a more muscular and strong physique.