In the world of fitness and health, trends come and go, but some have a more lasting impact than others. The recent emergence of 'runner's waist' and 'cortisol face' as buzzwords in the fitness industry has sparked concern, particularly among young Kiwi women. These trends, which claim that regular exercise creates an undesirable, boxy appearance, are not only scientifically unfounded but also potentially harmful to the positive relationship many have with exercise.
Personally, I find it fascinating how these trends have emerged, leveraging fears of appearing 'bulky' to discourage women from engaging in healthy exercise. The irony is that the very activities that improve health and mental wellbeing, such as running and strength training, are being targeted. In my opinion, this highlights a deeper issue: the influence of social media on our perception of health and fitness.
One thing that immediately stands out is the lack of scientific evidence behind these trends. The 'runner's waist' myth, for instance, claims that regular running creates a wider waist due to visible oblique muscles. However, research shows that running actually activates the core for stability and endurance, not muscle size. What many people don't realize is that the body's response to exercise is complex and highly individual, and it's not as simple as a one-size-fits-all approach.
From my perspective, the concern isn't just about the trends themselves, but what they say about how young women view themselves. We've gone from celebrating what our bodies can do to worrying about whether our waistline or face fits the latest TikTok trend. This is a step backwards, as it undermines the positive impact of exercise on confidence and self-esteem.
If you take a step back and think about it, the pressure to conform to these trends can be overwhelming. It's easy to get caught up in the fear of missing out (FOMO) and feel like you need to keep up with the latest fitness fads. But what these trends really suggest is that we need to re-evaluate our relationship with exercise and focus on the benefits it brings, rather than the potential drawbacks.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the role of online influencers in promoting these trends. While they may have good intentions, their lack of formal training in exercise, health, or wellbeing can lead to misinformation. This raises a deeper question: who should we trust when it comes to health advice, and how can we ensure that the information we receive is accurate and reliable?
In my view, the key to navigating these trends is to be cautious and critical of the information we consume. Exercise should never be about chasing the latest social media ideal. It should be about improving your health, building confidence, feeling strong, and giving yourself the best chance of living a long, healthy life. That's something no viral trend should ever take away.
Your body isn't a trend, and neither should your fitness journey be. So, the next time you see a trend like 'runner's waist' or 'cortisol face' on social media, remember that your health and wellbeing are more important than any fleeting trend. Embrace the benefits of exercise, and let your body be the judge of its own beauty.
