Agree! I think it’s even scientifically proven that when you a uniform or equipment that you like you tend to train more. Or likewise I bought a new set of bowls of my dream, and now I want to serve my food better and it gets tastier! May healthy performance prevail😁
The line between 'performative' and 'intentional' is thinner than critics want to admit. A beautiful space can be what gets someone to show up for themselves consistently.
Agree with you insofar as it comes to the individual person’s responsibility for the culture. What makes the performative culture (at large) problematic in my opinion is it creates a market that breeds and feeds on misinformation. For example, fads like skinny/“detox” teas. Companies exploit the performative culture for profit, creating a muck of falsehoods the consumer has to weed through to find good information ( like yours!<3 ). Ultimately, the problematic parts of the culture are more a symptom of capitalism rather than the individual person 🫠🫠
Totally agree, but the misinformation angle isn't really what i'm getting at here because I don't think skinny teas are necessarily performative, they're just a marketing play vs. drinking matcha for example which is super healthy and a traditional centuries old ritual that has been popularized in the west.
But agree with you that the problem lies with capitalism vs. individual fault!
thanks for your comment, appreciate the discourse!
Describing a studio as your "safe place" and/or "peaceful sanctuary" proves that it is not superficial - it's psychology! We know our surroundings influence how we feel: nature reduces stress just like good architecture boosts focus, color changes emotional state, lighting affects circadian rhythm...
As an instructor, I would note that performative wellness can become harmful only when posting replaces participation
Yes I love this and I think it’s so true! I received some hate on tiktok for wanting to embrace a more zen lifestyle with people accusing me of basically being performative - my question has always been where is the line? I love the quote that ‘if I get up and run everyday, what difference do I have to a runner?’ For me, if I wake up and try yoga everyday, and decorate my room to be less overstimulating, what difference between me and someone else in those comments are there? Apart from maybe experience I think doing something performatively is still in essence doing it
I think I’m okay with some of it being performative too. Often times the performativeness or image of something might be what originally gets someone to try something. But if the real benefits of that practice are still there, I think people are more likely to then start incorporating more wellness into their life out of true enjoyment, without always needing the more performative methods.
Good point, but, as someone who doesn't enjoy fitness and the typical fitness spaces, the performativeness of it all may be irksome. When posting something is more important and valued than actually doing the activity, or when the aesthetic is the whole point, it becomes superficial and attracts criticism, although I agree that it depends on how each individual thinks about and approaches wellness. I would be so disturbed by having tripods everywhere in the gym i'm working out in, or accidentally become the background of someone's selfie. At the same time it is true that if it manages to make people consistent and excited for something that truly benefits them, it's not an issue per se. But a society that tells you that you should be a pilates princess and thus you should spends hundreds of dollars/euros in Alo outfits and (in my opinion disgusting) matches, otherwise you don't belong to Pilates, it's not a society that sends a healthy message.
Agreed! I would say that i think if posting is MORE important than actually doing the activity then that's going above performative and that's just pure pretense. The tripods in the gym are super odd and something I personally hate, it makes me feel very uncomfortable as well.
Yes I guess it's interesting — I personally don't have the experience of feeling like society tries to force me to wear alo/drink matcha etc. or i don't belong in pilates BUT that's my experience and i fully understand that this might not be the case for other people/in other areas/in different studios.
thank you for your comment - appreciate the discourse :) x
Good point, but, as someone who doesn't enjoy fitness and the typical fitness spaces, the performativeness of it all may be irksome. When posting something is more important and valued than actually doing the activity, or when the aesthetic is the whole point, it becomes superficial and attracts criticism, although I agree that it depends on how each individual thinks about and approaches wellness. I would be so disturbed by having tripods everywhere in the gym i'm working out in, or accidentally become the background of someone's selfie. At the same time it is true that if it manages to make people consistent and excited for something that truly benefits them, it's not an issue per se. But a society that tells you that you should be a pilates princess and thus you should spends hundreds of dollars/euros in Alo outfits and (in my opinion disgusting) matches, otherwise you don't belong to Pilates, it's not a society that sends a healthy message.
I don’t think it’s an issue! The little amenities at a nice studio like lavender scented cold towels or a curated playlist are the besttt. I think what might bother people most is when the performance becomes cliquey or exclusive in a shaming way.
Agree! I think it’s even scientifically proven that when you a uniform or equipment that you like you tend to train more. Or likewise I bought a new set of bowls of my dream, and now I want to serve my food better and it gets tastier! May healthy performance prevail😁
The line between 'performative' and 'intentional' is thinner than critics want to admit. A beautiful space can be what gets someone to show up for themselves consistently.
I am all about the ‘beautiful’ space… I love to create a sanctuary in every little corner… physical and mind.
Agree with you insofar as it comes to the individual person’s responsibility for the culture. What makes the performative culture (at large) problematic in my opinion is it creates a market that breeds and feeds on misinformation. For example, fads like skinny/“detox” teas. Companies exploit the performative culture for profit, creating a muck of falsehoods the consumer has to weed through to find good information ( like yours!<3 ). Ultimately, the problematic parts of the culture are more a symptom of capitalism rather than the individual person 🫠🫠
Totally agree, but the misinformation angle isn't really what i'm getting at here because I don't think skinny teas are necessarily performative, they're just a marketing play vs. drinking matcha for example which is super healthy and a traditional centuries old ritual that has been popularized in the west.
But agree with you that the problem lies with capitalism vs. individual fault!
thanks for your comment, appreciate the discourse!
Describing a studio as your "safe place" and/or "peaceful sanctuary" proves that it is not superficial - it's psychology! We know our surroundings influence how we feel: nature reduces stress just like good architecture boosts focus, color changes emotional state, lighting affects circadian rhythm...
As an instructor, I would note that performative wellness can become harmful only when posting replaces participation
So true!! Agreed
Your last sentence there - super good point.
Yes I love this and I think it’s so true! I received some hate on tiktok for wanting to embrace a more zen lifestyle with people accusing me of basically being performative - my question has always been where is the line? I love the quote that ‘if I get up and run everyday, what difference do I have to a runner?’ For me, if I wake up and try yoga everyday, and decorate my room to be less overstimulating, what difference between me and someone else in those comments are there? Apart from maybe experience I think doing something performatively is still in essence doing it
Exactlyyy wow wish i could pin this comment!
I think I’m okay with some of it being performative too. Often times the performativeness or image of something might be what originally gets someone to try something. But if the real benefits of that practice are still there, I think people are more likely to then start incorporating more wellness into their life out of true enjoyment, without always needing the more performative methods.
Love this! Would love to connect 🤍🤍🤍
Good point, but, as someone who doesn't enjoy fitness and the typical fitness spaces, the performativeness of it all may be irksome. When posting something is more important and valued than actually doing the activity, or when the aesthetic is the whole point, it becomes superficial and attracts criticism, although I agree that it depends on how each individual thinks about and approaches wellness. I would be so disturbed by having tripods everywhere in the gym i'm working out in, or accidentally become the background of someone's selfie. At the same time it is true that if it manages to make people consistent and excited for something that truly benefits them, it's not an issue per se. But a society that tells you that you should be a pilates princess and thus you should spends hundreds of dollars/euros in Alo outfits and (in my opinion disgusting) matches, otherwise you don't belong to Pilates, it's not a society that sends a healthy message.
Agreed! I would say that i think if posting is MORE important than actually doing the activity then that's going above performative and that's just pure pretense. The tripods in the gym are super odd and something I personally hate, it makes me feel very uncomfortable as well.
Yes I guess it's interesting — I personally don't have the experience of feeling like society tries to force me to wear alo/drink matcha etc. or i don't belong in pilates BUT that's my experience and i fully understand that this might not be the case for other people/in other areas/in different studios.
thank you for your comment - appreciate the discourse :) x
Good point, but, as someone who doesn't enjoy fitness and the typical fitness spaces, the performativeness of it all may be irksome. When posting something is more important and valued than actually doing the activity, or when the aesthetic is the whole point, it becomes superficial and attracts criticism, although I agree that it depends on how each individual thinks about and approaches wellness. I would be so disturbed by having tripods everywhere in the gym i'm working out in, or accidentally become the background of someone's selfie. At the same time it is true that if it manages to make people consistent and excited for something that truly benefits them, it's not an issue per se. But a society that tells you that you should be a pilates princess and thus you should spends hundreds of dollars/euros in Alo outfits and (in my opinion disgusting) matches, otherwise you don't belong to Pilates, it's not a society that sends a healthy message.
I don’t think it’s an issue! The little amenities at a nice studio like lavender scented cold towels or a curated playlist are the besttt. I think what might bother people most is when the performance becomes cliquey or exclusive in a shaming way.
Totally agree!