By Alyssa Boddicker
When other countries picture the United States of America’s ideas of health, they are likely to think up two images. First, an image of the fit Los Angeles hiker, sporting crop tops and shorts with not a bit of fat and drinking a juice as a full meal. Second, the image of an obese person holding an extra large soft drink and burger, quite possibly with an American flag waving and a bald eagle flying in the background. As an American interning at Beauty And The Dirt over the next few months and learning about all things British along the way, I thought it would be interesting to see the differences in our two great countries and our ideas of health and fitness, and how America’s fitness trends have influenced UK. Surprisingly, the average American (not the already stick-thin California girl) has really stepped up their health and fitness game to include; cleanses, at-home workouts, fitness classes, and even fitness accessories.
We compared America’s top health and fitness current trends to their British substitutes to show it’s not just curly fries and Big Macs we’re sending across the pond.
Juice Cleanses
US: Originating in Los Angeles (where else?), cold press juices started off as just runny smoothies that people didn’t quite understand, but once put into a “cleanse” form where people could binge drink juices to cleanse their systems of toxins, as well as their availability in ultimate health food store Whole Foods, the juice cleanse trend took off. With fresh ingredients and and a variety of flavors, it is no wonder that health fanatics got into this pretty fast. Excuse the pun!
UK: Imbibery London‘s Intoxicating Detox is made for Londoners who like to “Jet and Reset”, and they even brought out a range of juices to mix with alcohol for those who want to have a little fun while still keeping their health in mind.
Yoga Sculpt
US: Yoga sculpt is a work out class that is basically a trendy way of saying yoga that’s aimed to, you guessed it, sculpt. Focused on using free weights and not at all calming as the “yoga” part of the name suggest, yoga sculpt classes integrate the traditional yoga poses, strength training, and cardio all into one so when you leave your 60-minute class, you feel like you can already fit into those too-tight jeans at home.
UK: Epoch Fitness in London specializes in dynamic pilates classes,that use Pilates Reformers, strength training, and cardio conditioning to give a full body workout in just 55 minutes. It’s an intense class that really builds strength as well as lengthening your body by improving your posture, and it will make you sweat!
At-Home Fitness Plans
US:Hard to believe but some Americans are quite self-conscious, especially while working out. So for fitness introverts or just the time poor, at-home fitness plans have been the perfect solution. One fitness plan in particular, Kayla Itsines’ Bikini Body Guide as made popular by Instagram posts showing real women’s result has been the most loved workout program by women everywhere. With alternating leg, arm, ab, and cardio workouts, Itsines makes a physically difficult but mentally simple 35-minute program that even busy girls can make time for.
UK: barrecore online fitness classes are offer a wide variety of barre classes to purchase either individually or monthly for the ultimate at-home workout experience.
Water Bottles
US: Water bottles are another large part of Americans fitness culture. We love toting around water bottles wherever we go as to non-directly say “Look at me, I am the epitome of health!”. Brand name water bottles (trust me, it’s a thing) are a part of our fitness identities. Camelbaks suggest you are a student not older than 25 and probably use a free gym in your area but also consider walking to class a workout in itself. S’Well water bottles suggest that you love taking hot yoga or yoga sculpt classes and have your own Lululemon yoga mat. Plastic water bottles mean you don’t do this whole “workout thing” option so you might as well not invest in a water bottle.
UK: Elle Macpherson by WelleCo’s Hydrator Bottle is her go-to water bottle used for both water and her shake-and-go Super Elixir, these say, “I take my health seriously, I spend a lot on my supplements and my classes and I have a hot body.”
The Gym as a “Hangout”
US: In the US has the gym become the ultimate hangout? Lifetime Fitness have become a hangout place for people to catch up while also getting fit. Going to the gym after school is not just for a workout, it’s your social hour to catch up with people and relieve stress from the school day. It’s not uncommon at all to see a line of girls “walking intensely” on the treadmill while simultaneously catching up on the latest gossip, whereas boys tend to all circle around a weight lifting machine “spotting” one of their friends. Either way, the gym now is viewed as a place of social gathering, which is getting more and more people to attend, no bad thing.
UK: Psycle opened 18 months ago in London and has retained its cool ‘workout hotspot’ reputation, the community culture is strong and the company work hard to make you feel like part of the Psycle family. Heavily influenced by the US Soul Cycle gyms, but much less aggressive. Its unique workout environment with addictive classes, fun music, great instructors and a ‘fashion’ show of Lululemon and Onzie clothing in all classes make this place really popular. With a great schedule of convenient class times, delicious smoothies and a well-stocked “ENERGY KITCHEN” full of cold pressed juices and fresh food is sure to be anyone’s ideal “hangout” gym.
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