What is meant by the commodification of fitness? How has it been beneficial in improving people’s attitudes to fitness?
Answers
In our everyday lives we engage in a variety of physical activity, from washing
the car and doing the housework to getting dressed for school or work.
Completing these types of tasks requires a small amount of effort and often
we use only our upper body to do them.
Although these activities require the expenditure of a certain amount
of energy through the movement they involve, their contribution to overall
health and fi tness is minimal. In order to gain health and fi tness benefi ts, it is
necessary to engage in moderate to vigorous activity. Individuals who choose
to lead an inactive lifestyle are at risk of developing many lifestyle diseases.
Inactivity is a major risk factor of coronary heart disease and contributes to
other risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.