By Shaina Hayutin, Coach at CrossFit Newtown 

CrossFit has never aimed for aesthetic results. Sure, we may start to shed fat and build muscle as a result of practicing the methodology, but we’ve never made fat loss the target. The primary goal has always been to train humans to live more functional lives and to improve health markers. From the beginning, CrossFit’s focus has been work capacity: to train and test what our bodies are capable of. This is why you’ll never see a CrossFit gym full of mirrors. Maybe there’s one in the bathroom, but out on the gym floor? Absolutely not. Can you imagine? That thing would get broken immediately from one drop of a barbell. It’s simply not what our culture is about.  

CrossFit has literally changed the landscape of the entire fitness world, not only because it finally gave fitness an actual definition; but, more importantly, because it led by example. It didn’t preach from a pedestal about how it’s the best. It didn’t make false promises about getting a “beach bod” in an unrealistic time frame. It didn’t ask you for your monthly auto payment in the hopes of you never actually showing up to the gym. It did the exact opposite. CrossFit always actually cared about your health and wellbeing as an entire, whole human. 

The aesthetic of skinny, fat, and anywhere in between has never been what CrossFit cared about. CrossFit cares about what those bodies are capable of. CrossFit cares about helping humans learn that because they can deadlift their body weight, they can function in their daily lives more efficiently. CrossFit cares about helping folks go from ring rows, to pull ups, to muscle ups because we know what that does for people’s self-esteem. 

Humans are not created equally. Genetics, our environment, and the way we treat our bodies determines what our outsides look like. CrossFit knows we can’t control our genetics, and we can only sometimes control our environment. So, we focus on what we can control: how we treat our bodies. 

The skinny culture resurgence has been driven by:

• Rapid technology changes 
• Cyclical fashion 
• Social media and comparison culture 
• GLP-1 trend 

We are living in a time that promotes immediate results. Instant AI “answers” have taught us to have zero patience, rather than embrace critical thinking, engage in the process, embrace boredom [sitting with your thoughts and imagination], and feeling way more fulfilled after finding answers or results. 

History always repeats itself. Fashion is no exception. The revival of early 2000’s, Y2K, ultra-thin clothing is here, and it’s feeding into the skinny culture resurgence at hyperspeed because we have never had this much access to technology. This, in turn, can easily feed our social media and fuel comparison culture. Additionally, GLP-1s are thriving because not only is the fashion industry saying this is what’s “in” right now, but our food system is creating massive health issues and creating an even more obese country. With all of these factors at play, it feels nearly impossible to find a sense of healthy balance on our own. So we stick to the status quo and cave, or we go against the grain. Instead of constantly feeling like you’re fighting against your environment, we can ask for help. 

Everyone has been led to believe they need a super niche, individualized plan because they think they’re special. But to quote Fight Club,“You are not special. You are not a beautiful or unique snowflake…[you are the] same decaying organic matter as everything else.” I understand Tyler Durden is blunt. I also understand there are cases where humans are dealing with special health issues and circumstances. However, most people, most of the time, just need the basics:

• Move your body on a regular basis
• Eat real, whole foods most meals, most days 
• Be consistent 
• Prioritize sleep and rest 
• Have a solid support system 

It’s so easy to get lost in the ever-changing trends and information overload. Stay centered. The simpler, the better. However, simple does not mean easy. If eating right and exercising were the easy route, everyone would do it. And we wouldn’t see this surge of GLP-1 culture. The easy way is rarely the sustainable way. Be consistent for 30 days, then 60 days, then 90 days, and suddenly you realize you’ve created healthy habits. Life will forever ebb and flow, so it’s not about being perfect 100% of the time. It’s about continually choosing your health in your day-to-day choices. 

So keep showing up to the gym. Maybe join our upcoming Nutrition Challenge for some much-needed support to start or restart building healthy, sustainable habits. We are here for you. Set your pride and nerves aside, and just ask for the help you need. We are here to continue to focus on what matters: your health, functionality and longevity. F*ck the skinny culture resurgence.

Shaina Hayutin is a CrossFit Coach and Content writer at CrossFit Newtown in Newtown, PA. With a Degree in Journalism, a Level 2 CrossFit Coach, a Healthy Steps Nutrition Coach, and over a decade of experience in the fitness industry, she emphasizes the critical role that community plays in achieving optimal fitness results while maintaining long-term health and wellness.