Physical fitness has long been considered a critical aspect of one’s overall health and well-being. Everyone should strive to be physically fit, right? Going to the gym is a good thing, isn’t it?
I guess it’s up for debate, at least according to a variety of your favorite left wing “news” publications.
Believe it or not, physical fitness might be a sign you’re a fascist! If you care about getting stronger and healthier, you’re probably a right-wing extremist.
Think I’m joking? Think this is some biased opinion that just took some article out of context and wrote a sensationalized headline for? I wish that were the case. But unfortunately, it’s not.
From MSNBC…
Pandemic fitness trends have gone extreme — literally
White supremacists’ latest scheme to valorize violence and hypermasculinity has gone digital.
From The Guardian…
‘Fascist fitness’: how the far right is recruiting with online gym groups
From Vice…
Gym Bros More Likely to be Right-Wing Assholes, Science Confirms
From Medium…
This Study Linking Gym Bros To Right-Wing Beliefs Is Legit
Based on some new research and the fact that “Hitler fixated on boxing and jujitsu” (according to MSNBC) , physical fitness has now become increasingly politicized.
As reported on by Vice, research from Brunel University found that “physically strong men who regularly go to the gym are more likely to be right-wing and support social and economic inequality than weaker men.”
MSNBC stated that “researchers found a network of online “fascist fitness” chat groups on the encrypted platform Telegram are recruiting and radicalizing young men with neo-Nazi and white supremacist extremist ideologies.
I couldn’t find anything beyond some opinions based on anecdotes from these researchers , so I guess I’ll just have to take their word for it ( I hope you’re sensing my sarcasm here).
Physical fitness can certainly be seen as a means of promoting individual responsibility and self-sufficiency, and probably explains why a lot of MMA fighters and gym goers are conservative individuals ( as if that’s a bad thing). The truth is, for those it doesn’t “radicalize,” it has a plethora of health benefits, both physical and mental.
Here are a few examples…
Improved cardiovascular health: Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies have shown that physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 35-40%.
Weight management: Regular exercise can help with weight loss and maintenance, by burning calories and building muscle. Studies have shown that physical activity can help people lose weight and maintain a healthy weight over time.
Increased muscle and bone strength: Physical activity can help build and maintain muscle and bone mass, which can help prevent age-related muscle and bone loss. Studies have shown that resistance training, in particular, can increase muscle mass and strength, even in older adults.
Improved mental health: This is a big one. Exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and to improve mood and cognitive function in both healthy individuals and those with mental health conditions. Consistent exercise can boost your memory and critical thinking skills..
Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Maybe “extreme right-wingers” will have fewer diseases, who would’ve thought?. Regular physical activity has been linked to a reduced risk of several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and osteoporosis. Studies have found that physical activity can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 40-50%.
Increased longevity: Studies have also shown that physically active individuals have a lower risk of premature death compared to those who are inactive. In fact, research showed that those who exercised 150–300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75–150 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity activity lowered their risk of early death by as much as 21%.
Improved quality of life: Physical activity can improve overall quality of life by improving physical function, sleep, and energy levels. Studies have found that regular physical activity can improve physical function, sleep quality, and energy levels.
Social benefits: Joining a sports team, gym or fitness class can provide opportunities to meet new people and make friends. Exercising with others can also increase motivation and accountability, boost confidence and self-esteem, improve communal engagement, and more.
While physical fitness seems to be the newest politicized topic, you might want to consider hitting the gym, going for a swim, joining that boxing club, or simply enjoying a long walk around the neighborhood.
Just remember to be careful. The newest reincarnation of Hitler might be trying to recruit you, so be on the lookout and keep your guard up.