It is not uncommon nowadays to scroll down through instagram feeds and come across photos of friends and acquaintances posing and flexing their thin, muscular, perfectly-cut bodies, well lit and brushed under professional lighting. As fitness culture thrived and proliferated in Korea, taking fitness profile” photos became one of the most coveted bucket list items among young and older generations alike.
With significant contributions from social media influences, the “fitness profile” trends grew increasingly prevalent in Korea in recent years. What was once considered to be a privilege reserved for professional models and celebrities is now broadly enjoyed among Korean peoples, regardless of age, occupation, and gender. Delivered — within astonishingly short periods of time — in forms of professionally edited photos, this tangible and presentable goal motivated thousands of Koreans to strive for more muscle and less fat, and in turn facilitated a net positive development for the Korean fitness industry as a whole.
The trend emerged to mainstream culture along with some hazy lines of popular movement towards fitness and well-being that started in the early 2010s. Synergizing with the increasing influences of social media, the fitness trends drove younger generations to aspire for more visual forms of achievements that are displayable on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and Twitter. One of those visual forms was indeed fitness profile photos, which have gained some popularity back then on social media by a number of fitness models and influencers.
With the intensified impact of social distancing caused by COVID-19, the influence of social media has expanded significantly, and so has that of the Korean fitness profile trend. Growing number of people are seeking to extend their reach within the realm of social media, and fitness profile culture was one of these means to attain greater influence factors. Studios are now flooded with reservations for these photos, and it often takes more than two-months of advance reservation periods to secure a spot.
Notwithstanding the productive outcomes and influences brought forth by the trend, it is easy to overlook some of the negative consequences that it may likely present. These consequences must be addressed with more attention especially since they may pose serious threats to one’s health.
Many health issues associated with fitness profile arise from hastiness with which the preparation process is carried out. Body fat percentages of around at least 7 to 10 percent for men and about 15 to 18 percent for women are required to achieve optimal physiques that will produce satisfactory results for fitness profile photos. Beginners and untrained individuals alike commit to a rigorous diet and work-out schedule to attain this objective, especially within a considerably short period of time.
It is therefore advised to prolong the preparation process and ensure sufficient time to be acquainted with the intense diet and work-out schedule. This gradual transition may help harness some of the precipitous changes likely to be imposed on the body and reduce likelihood to relapse after the diet is over. It is therefore recommended to engage with the preparation process under instructions of professional trainers.
HyungChul Kim
K-UNIV Reporter
