Thriving Gym Culture

Nepalis, especially the young, have been visiting gyms in growing numbers over the past several years. The culture of workouts, weight training, and bodybuilding has transformed from a practice for ensuring a healthy body to a way of life, a status symbol, and even an obsession for some. Physical fitness is necessary, but the sudden rise of this culture, along with the uncontrolled use of protein supplements and creatine, is a source of concern in terms of health, misinformation, and what society requires.

Many people, from teenagers to older people, go to the gym to improve their physical health and adapt a healthy lifestyle. It is also a sign of self-care that makes people healthy - physically and mentally. Exercise seems to prevent depression because serotonin released from the brain during exercise has antidepressant effects. It also regulates our mood and neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid), norepinephrine, endorphins, and others that are released during exercise, preventing various neurological and mood disorders. 

Physical exercise and yoga may help in the management of cravings for substances when other forms of therapy, such as counselling or medication for craving management, are not feasible or acceptable. Physical exercise has been shown to have beneficial effects on mental health, including relieving stress and lifting mood. However, the patient must take an active role in physical activity-based therapies rather than passively accept the process as it is, which is in stark contrast to the approach used by conventional medicine. 

In general, physical activities are helpful in every aspect, from mood disorder to neurological disorder to substance-related disorder. Thus, physical exercise should be promoted in hospitals, rehabilitation and therapeutic centres, among other fields. Social media has played a significant role in promoting gym culture. On such platforms, people follow the trend of gym culture, influencers and even imitate role models and fitness gurus. Many people watch and follow “Liver King”, ”Ronnie Coleman”, “Chris Bumstead,” and even “Sam Sulek,” who are indirectly promoting various supplements and the use of steroids. 

People even compare their bodies with professional bodybuilders and get dissatisfied with their physical appearance, which is a harsh reality.  To many young Nepalis, a muscular and well-toned body is a major accomplishment, commonly associated with success and self-confidence. The desire to replicate global fitness levels has witnessed individuals embrace hardcore exercise routines, sometimes without proper guidance. People also work out at home while watching YouTube tutorial videos, which is beneficial, but proper guidance is also needed.

Mostly, middle-aged females are adopting the fitness journey by taking Zumba classes and exercising, pushing their limit for a few days and getting disappointed after not getting the result they want within a short time. Similarly, the use of protein powder, creatine, and mass gainer has increased drastically. Even though they are beneficial, teenagers are consuming them in improper quantities. Excessive consumption or reliance on low-quality products can lead to digestive issues, kidney strain, and liver problems. Exercise and fitness are important, but the usage of supplements without proper knowledge creates problems. Therefore, proper knowledge, a healthy mindset, and guidance are needed for a healthy lifestyle and to benefit from the gym.