Mirrors are neutral, but people aren’t.
Here’s why it’s time to be more thoughtful about putting mirrors in fitness studios.
Im an Exercise PhysiologistHeres Why You Shouldnt Worry About Cortisol Spikes When You Do HIIT Workouts.
Elliptical vs Treadmill: Which Cardio Machine Is Right For You?
Does Rowing Count as Strength Training?
They spoke with their clientswho were all women, including many who were mothersand they came to a conclusion.
associate professor and co-director, Sport and Performance PsychologyGraduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver
Why all the fuss about mirrors?
And mirrors can cut both ways.
It depends on the persons interpretation of what theyre seeing in the mirror, Dr. Shapiro says.
One person might be able to use the mirror as a tool to assist with their form.
Does Dancing Count as Cardio?
Heres What Experts Say
Glute Bridge vs Hip Thrust: Which Is The Better Booty Booster?
Im a Master TrainerHeres Why You Shouldnt Skip Your Post-Run Stretches.
That could sour their relationship with exercise, or deplete their self-esteem, asone 2003 study found.
That can be taking up mental energy thats taking away from the workout, Dr. Shapiro says.
associate professor and co-director, Sport and Performance PsychologyGraduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver
It is up to clients to make positive use of the mirror.
That might be easier said than done in our appearance-focused society.
Mirrors are not inherently a tool for either self-appreciation or self-criticism.
The mirror itself is neutral.
But humansand cultural forces like the diet industrycan impact what that person sees, and therefore the mirrors effect.
A lot of the time people dont like looking at themselves, Kline says.
Perhaps studios can survey their customers, she suggests.
These norms often boil down to personal choice, and mirrors are no different.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
