The fitness industry is heavy on photography and the majority of Personal Trainers, Fitness Enthusiasts and Athletes probably never question the use of cameras as proof of results or ever question their reasons for showing off their physique, or for whatever reasons they may have for picture making – posting online and so on.
The fitness industry in a general sense could be misconstrued as being about looks alone, after all, when was the last time you saw an obese or skinny guy on a Men’s Health magazine cover? Yeah, fitness is about looks to a degree and for men in particular, the goal can be to look built, but did you know some people live a life trying to avoid the camera.
As you may have noticed reading my blog and social media posts, I do not show the physical results of clients or my own personal appearance which is with reason. As a Muslim and sticking to my religion of Islam as best as I can depicting forms of humans from head to toe is not permissible. To learn more about the exact reasons send me a DM or email message [Here]. The cutoff point to a picture (based upon scholarly recommendation) is at the head. So, what is below the head can be shown, however, what is between the navel and the knee for a man, also, should not be visible.
This is for the protection of the person, community and is pleasing to our Creator the most high and mighty! Pictures do help in promoting the ability of a Fitness Trainer in terms of getting clients their desired results and can be encouragement for those with similar goals and/or needs but the creativity of the camera person goes a long way – one snap and done isn’t thinking outside of the box.
Taking the stance to not show client achievements does take patience and determination since the fitness industry is heavy on looks, social and visible proof that can be seen now. I do engage in photography but with caution and I’d encourage Personal Trainers to look at ways to tell their story without exposing Men and Women of all ages to the trappings of picture making, public exposition and the health issues that photographed person may experience due to feeling unrestricted in what they show.
As for BTC (Be The Criterion), we are piecing together a look book for clients and prospects to view, in-line with Islamic doctrine, allowing our achievements with clients to be collected an seen in a suitable fashion. If you’d like FREE COACHING for a limited time, we’re looking for a small number of Men to work with, no matter what their goal is! To show your interest in this send us a message [Here].
So if you’re still wondering how you can maintain a fitness business without picture making? I say, its’ about being in the streets, being outside and meeting the people of your community – helping them offline and building your look book/ photo album, which can be shown as-and-when needed. Social media has such a strong hold on the fitness community and as time goes on this will get worse unless more fitness trainers and enthusiasts, Muslim or Non-Muslim, take a new trajectory that safeguards themselves and the future generations from the many harms that can come from showing off ones body such as body dysmorphia, the ills of jealousy, loss of shyness and more.
This post is a reminder to myself before anyone else and I hope change comes to the world of fitness and gym training in particular because the gym space should feel safe and welcoming for everyone and not a place that breads bad manners or poses as a gateway to get into various types of evil for the one with little suspicion. To the Gym Gorillas and Fit Lionesses keep working and think about the reasons you want to post pictures of yourself, anywhere, before you do it!
If you’d like to be a part of the BTC Look Book, gaining free training and advice, email [Here].