Diet Culture. Fat acceptance. Both of these systems of belief focus on the same things: subjective, and often extreme, relationships with health and food. Despite their supposed differences, both of these ideologies tend to focus on body image and self-esteem, albeit in very different ways. Ironically enough, and despite the objections from those affiliated, we would argue they also try to address problems surrounding self-improvement. Does either worldview really have a truly positive impact though?

The new year has come and gone, ushering in another January spike of Americans attempting to "get in shape" at the local gyms. The International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) reported that, due to New Year Resolutions, gym memberships increase by around 12.1% in January. While this is an incredibly good idea, if it's truly committed to, the data associated seems to paint an unfortunate story. As of 2018, 6.3% of Americans spend an estimated $1.8 billion on gym memberships, only to never use them (via Finder.com). In 2019, Hustle reported that 63% of memberships go completely unused, 82% of members go to the gym less than once per week, and 22% completely stop going after 6 months. 

Simultaneously, according to data from the General Social Survey in 2020, American "happiness" has ranked at an all-time low, since the survey began in 1972. In arguably the wealthiest time in all of human history, we as Americans seem to be the unhappiest. Why? There must be a correlation, and we think it could do with how we're treating ourselves, which impacts how we treat others. 

In episode 81, the Wolf and Bull are proud to welcome back Coach Jordan Riding for another discussion relating to health. In this episode, we discuss body image, personal image, the problem with New Year Resolutions, and how it's possible to make a change for a healthier and happier version of yourself. It's a wonderful conversation, and we hope you enjoy it! 

Coach Jordan Riding is the founder of Steel Body Fitness and the Mind Body Spirit Academy. He's a husband and father and has a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology. He's an ACE-certified personal trainer and certified nutrition coach by Precision Nutrition.

Steel Body Fitnesses "helps save thousands of men and women from a misleading and potentially harmful diet and fitness industry." If you're interested in learning more about Jordan's company, goals, work, and services, you can find him at steelbodyfitnessllc.com. Additionally, you can also find excellent content as well as health and fitness guidance from his Instagram account (@coachjordanriding) as well as his Facebook group.

You can also find additional content from Coach Jordan Riding here.

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