Brett Nemeroff ENC1102H Gabriela Rios How does the structure of the gym coupled with gender stereotypes

impact how people utilize the space? Alternate: How do gender stereotypes impact how people utilize Recreational & Wellness Centers? Understanding the way space is utilized involves consideration of seemingly varying factors brought together through spatial metaphors. With that being said, space is not generally a concept that is analyzed for rhetorical value; but when it is, space becomes a living, breathing being capable of taking hold of ones imagination and intellect. When considering the Recreational & Wellness Center, a massive, heavily used space, this analysis becomes less difficult. The manner in which the gym is structured coupled with preexisting stereotypes creates an environment heavily engrained in gender separation. Every day, large portions of which become crowded with males or females. Though gym employees and users may not directly support this idea, they cannot deny the influence that stereotypes have on their perception. Even so, there is still an obvious debate regarding how much influence the structure of the gym has on workout habits. It seems that the structure merely contributes to the omnipresent social stereotypes, not the other way around.

Salvatore, J, and J Marecek. "Gender In The Gym: Evaluation Concerns As Barriers To Women's Weight Lifting." Sex Roles 63.7-8 (n.d.): 556-567. Social Sciences Citation Index. Web. 18 Mar. 2014. "Gender In The Gym" takes a scholarly look at weight lifting habits of particularly young college students and how they differ with consideration of gender. It comments not only on general exercise, but talks specifically of the physical and psychological benefits of developing muscle through weight lifting. Cited sources provide insight on how "well-toned muscle" can increase metabolism and "cushion the body from the effects of illness and slow the normal process of aging." This source also delves into psychological illnesses that are more prevalent in women that in men. For example, disorders such as anorexia come about because "body size and shape contribute disproportionately to self-evaluation." This leads directly to an including study regarding varying fitness goals and how they're associated with each gender. This will prove to be a valuable tool when answering the research question I have chosen. By uncovering what motivates people to utilize the space in question, I will effectively be able to see how said motivations intertwine with social standards and practices. Coupling this with other sources, (notably Reynolds) I will be able to combine these ideas of gender specific tendencies with spatial metaphors within the Recreational and Wellness Center. Chalabaev, Ana, et al. "The Influence Of Sex Stereotypes And Gender Roles On Participation And Performance In Sport And Exercise: Review And Future Directions." Psychology Of Sport & Exercise 14.2 (2013): 136-144. SPORTDiscus. Web. 18 Mar. 2014. "The Influence Of Sex Stereotypes And Gender Roles On Participation And Performance In Sport And Exercise: Review And Future Directions" examines gender stereotypes from

varying points of view including biological, psychological, and psychosocial. What seems to be most useful is the manner in which this source identifies physiological differences among men and women but argues that they are not enough to support sex differences in sport performance and participation. This source also addresses an interesting topic, Stereotype Threat, which states that the mere presence of stereotypes can drastically impact a persons behavior and actions. Just like the concept of space, activities can be perceived and conceived. This psychological analysis examines the way certain activities are perceived to be "masculine, feminie, or neutral." Elaborating on this concept will allow a smooth cohesion of ideas when it comes to bridging the gap between activities and lived space. Hively, Kimberly, and Amani El-Alayli. "You Throw Like A Girl: The Effect Of Stereotype Threat On Women's Athletic Performance And Gender Stereotypes." Psychology Of Sport & Exercise 15.1 (2014): 48-55. Academic Search Premier. Web. 25 March. 2014. This academic source, while not having as much raw content or as many individual ideas as the others, still finds usefulness in my research question. It focuses on a study regarding athletic ability taking careful notice of a previously mentioned topic, stereotype threat. The study has both men and women performing athletic tasks of moderate difficulty. When the presence of negative stereotypes are made clear to the women, they perform noticeably worse. This is a great way to support the idea of stereotype threat with hard evidence and statistics. Hively takes a step back and discusses the influence of gender stereotypes on physical education teachers. This serves as a potential root of the issue and something that should not be ignored. Though difficult, swaying educators to completely refrain from any use of gender

stereotyping may be an imperative part of solving this issue. I hope that further analysis of this source will help me clarify and incorporate this into my final paper. Munroe-Chandler, Krista J., Todd M. Loughead, and Amy L. Kossert. "Pumping Iron: The Social Advantages Of Weight Training." Journal Of Applied Biobehavioral Research 17.3 (2012): 157-175. Academic Search Premier. Web. 30 Mar. 2014. As can be observed from the title of this source, "Pumping Iron" takes a dive into the social implications of how weight lifting is generally viewed. Many factors are discussed including the gender of the observer as well as whether or not they exercise. My goal with this source is to have it help me identify why people decide to work out in the first place. Aside from the physical and psychological benefits mentioned in other sources, Munroe-Chandler discusses, in heavy detail, the role that social habits play on this issue. The study focuses on how exercisers and weight lifters of different calibers are viewed on a scale of attractiveness and personality. The results of the study, for the most part, are in line with the original hypothesis. Weight trainers are viewed more favorable when it came to personality and physical attributes. -Neydra Reynolds This source discusses what I feel to be the most powerful themes discussed in the course thus far, making it a vital source. Reynolds defines spatial metaphors through analogies and quotes, then proceeds to apply it to how space is observed. Useful topics that it addresses include the three ways in which space is observed (perceived, conceived, and lived) as well as the active nature of space. These metaphors will form the basis for much of my arguments and points

throughout the final paper. In order to capitalize on the source material, I will tour the gym, taking note of how spatial metaphors can be applied. I feel that the discussion of spatial metaphors will aid me in contemplating; is it the stereotypes that influence the space and, if so, does the space continue to promote said stereotypes via its active nature? This will be kept in mind particularly when interviewing gym employees. -Interview of Gym Employee 1. Do you feel gender stereotypes impact how people exercise? If so, please explain. 2. Does the structure of the gym play a role? 3.What would you do to change the way the space is perceived and used in order to combat said stereotypes? With this short interview, I hope to accomplish a few things. First off, I believe this will help the discussion of lived space come full circle. Also, this will give me insight into the people who come into the gym and their habits. By acquiring the insight of people who not only use the space every day, but are also responsible for observing all other users, a unique perspective will be unveiled. -Adam Harmon 1. guys do all the weights girls just try to stay in shape 2. No comment

3. more of a social issue been the norm for quite a while -Alexis Sykes 1. society build arms and muscle females workout but not as much yoga and group exercise 2. upstairs has (machines) that females mostly use group exercises are separate 3. move cardio equipment downstairs all people should do cardio anyway -Joseph Wolf 1. society puts pressure on female figure; legs is a big thing (women) wont go near free weights seen as masculine 2. pressures of society 3. knights plaza gym makes people feel less intimidated smaller weight floor upstairs

-Rosemary Stump 1. a lot of men on the weight floor and not many women intimidating for women girls scared of doing weightlifting 2. girls are scared of using weights muscle definition looks good (on both boys and girls) 3. girls shouldnt be intimidated (signs and messages on televisions) encouraging women to workout

After completing interviews of four Recreational & Wellness Center employees (two boys and two girls) I found that they all agree that, first of all, everyone should exercise, but also that the methods of doing so should be balanced. More specifically, Alexis put emphasis on the idea that men and women should do both weight-lifting and cardio. Also, as pointed out by Joseph, Knights Plaza contains an associated gym that tries to limit intimidation. Rosemary noted that the conception of the gym can be improved with signs and messages emphasizing the health benefits of both cardio and weight-lifting.