It's not enough to be skinny, it seems—you also have to be rich

Every week, PhilSTAR L!fe explores issues and topics from the perspectives of different age groups, encouraging healthy but meaningful conversations on why they matter. This is Generations by our Gen Z columnist Angel Martinez.

It might not be a big deal to most, but I’ve started going to pilates consistently.

Over the past few years, I’ve tried most fads that have made it to my feed: boxing, spinning, running. When things would inevitably not work out, I’d treat myself to ice cream and wait for the next exercise trend to pull me out of my sedentary lifestyle.

However, during my recent trip to the States, my cousin brought me along for a trial session of the internet’s favorite low-intensity activity—and my disillusioned self was eager to give it a second chance. The reasonable progression, the mind-body connection, the vibe of the neon-lit studio: I felt like I had finally found my sport.

Or, at least, that’s what I tell myself. Social media, after all, plays a pivotal role in how, where, and why we choose to move our bodies. In the age of the progress picture and leg day vlogs, many of us have to admit that exercise isn’t just for physical activity or preventative care, but also public performance and signalling status.

That’s why those who document their daily routines are clad in the same Lululemon or Alo ensembles, or drawn towards the same novel experiences in exclusive gyms instead of posting their home lifting and yoga routines.

Pilates, in particular, is an area of much contention. One of my favorite fun facts to share with people is that its eponymous creator came up with the practice in an internment camp, as a literal prisoner of war. Joseph Pilates put together a series of makeshift contraptions, all with the purpose of stretching and strengthening, despite limited space and resources.

I don’t think he would have predicted its 21st-century rebrand into the current gold standard for women. Pilates is now seen by some as the preferred pathway to a perfect figure: always thin, let’s face it, but now slender and toned, too, with something called "Barbie arms" to boot.

The discipline and restraint required to execute such controlled movements seem to extend to the inner lives of those who practice it, as well. Pilates princesses seem effortlessly polished, headed to brunch with the girls right after sweating it out in class, or boasting of an extensive, expensive skincare routine.

Another unrealistic standard then seems to fall on the shoulders of any young girl in pursuit of fitness: You must not only be skinny, but you must also be rich—rich enough to keep your place in the presence of women with similar lifestyles and priorities. In the process, some people get left behind or are too scared to try, thinking, "What is the allure of an ideal body if it’s within everyone else’s reach?"

Fitspiration content on social media has always prioritized fitness, to the point of sacrificing actual wellness. Any girl who grew up on the wrong side of Tumblr can attest to this. But today, it has evolved to incorporate elements of elitism: gym goers of a very specific age, body type, and tax bracket are usually the ones represented, lauded, and turned into the face of their community.

Prior to joining my first group class, I was under the impression that I would have to dress for the part. You know, show up to my exclusive Makati studio in a matching pink set, while toting one of many emotional support water bottles. Pristine and put together, not a hair out of place, even if I was being subject to new kinds of pain. That’s how they all look on Instagram, anyway.

To my surprise, I wasn’t the only one in a baggy band shirt and leggings. Best of all, as our bodies were being contorted into unimaginable positions, the girls on the reformers beside me groaned or squealed in surprise, and laughed in our shared discomfort like real people would.

So, despite the deeply embedded flaws I’ve found in modern exercise culture, I don’t think the key is to stop going to classes. (In the spirit of transparency, I’ve signed up for 10 more sessions with the same studio.) Exercise is obviously still very important for reasons beyond vanity purposes: stronger muscles and bones that will benefit us well into adulthood; lighter and happier moods; and improved memory skills.

As algorithms easily distort our self-perception, I just think we can all benefit from honest reflections about why we work out in the first place.

For me, that means reminding myself that pilates alone will not make me look "perfect"—whatever that may look like—because genetics, age, and my penchant for sweet treats are formidable opponents; that the pursuit of health is always a better goal to aspire towards, rather than the unforgiving and relentless pursuit of "beauty"; and that I must keep at whatever I’m doing, even when it’s no longer in fashion, and even when there’s no one watching.

Generations by Angel Martinez appears weekly at PhilSTAR L!fe.