Gym Bodies

James Brighton is Senior Lecturer in the Sociology of Sport and Exercise at Canterbury Christ Church University, UK. His theoretical and empirical research interests lie in the social and cultural analysis of sport and fitness, the sociology of the body and disability studies. Methodologically, he is interested in interpretive forms of qualitative inquiry including ethnography, life history and narrative analyses. He is also a qualified fitness instructor and personal trainer. Ian Wellard is an independent writer based in Cornwall, UK. His main research interests relate to embodied practices, physical activity, gender and sport. Much of this research has been generated through ethnographic studies, which draw upon qualitative and reflexive approaches to the ways in which embodied identities are constructed and negotiated. Ian is also a qualified Level 2 CrossFit coach.Amy Clark is an independent scholar based in Kent, UK. Her doctoral research employed a feminist phenomenological framework to help reveal the embodied experiences of women within fitness cultures. Methodologically, she is interested in how sensuous forms of ethnography can be used to explore lived, fleshy corporeality of others who experience multiple forms of oppression as a result of their embodiment. She is also a qualified personal trainer and Spinning instructor.

"This book is a must-read for all interested in the sociology of gyms and fitness cultures. Its novelty, readability and accessibility make it ideal for all, from undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers to policymakers and practitioners. It is truly a delight to read a book with such wide appeal. Overall, Gym Bodies: Exploring Fitness Cultures is an exemplary contribution to the field. What Brighton, Wellard and Clark put forward is a book that deepens insight and inspires thought. Whether you read it from start to finish or skim chapters or sections, I recommend for all interested in this broad area to have a look at it."- Joseph Mellors, Northumbria University, Leisure Studies

• Chapter 1: Introducing (Our) Gym Bodies and Fitness CulturesJames Brighton, Ian Wellard and Amy ClarkChapter 2: Conceptualising Gym BodiesJames Brighton, Ian Wellard and Amy ClarkChapter 3: A History of Gyms and the Evolvement of Contemporary FitnessJames Brighton, Ian Wellard and Amy ClarkChapter 4: Embodied Methodological Considerations James BrightonChapter 5: Gym Spaces James Brighton, Ian Wellard and Amy ClarkChapter 6: Being Personally Trained Ian WellardChapter 7: CrossFit James BrightonChapter 8: Spinning Amy ClarkChapter 9: Reflections James Brighton, Ian Wellard and Amy ClarkAppendix 1: Judgement Criteria employedAppendix 2: WOD Acronyms in CrossFitAppendix 3: The original ‘Girls’