An Australian fitness star has claimed her industry has become too “sexualized” – calling out influencers who pose with their booty on show.
Kayla Itsines, who co-created the popular fitness app SWEAT, has described her disappointment at those who film from a “particular angle” under the guise of a “glute workout”, stating it is a tactic used to obtain views.
The mom-of-two said that despite understanding “booty workouts” get likes and engagement, it is content she does not want her children to see as she’s “trying to be an example to women”.
“I probably wouldn’t care if I didn’t have kids, I’ll be like, ‘you do you, boo’,” she said in a recent video.
“I’m unfollowing you because I don’t want to see that, I don’t wanna see your ass, but you do you.
“However I have a daughter, and I’m trying to be an example to women. No drinking, no drugs, no smoking, no highly sexualized content.”
But Itsines reckons despite her best efforts, “it’s everywhere”, and she simply doesn’t want to see it.
“I’m scrolling, and she (my daughter) is sitting next to me, and I’m like ‘oh my God I don’t want you looking at another girl’s… from that angle,” the 33-year-old explained.
“It’s just not something I want to see.”
Itsines went on to ask, “am I old?”, after sharing her views while also reassuring her own almost 16 million followers that she would not be one of the influencers who films from behind.
Many of her loyal fanbase were quick to weigh-in on the situation, with some stating they too agreed fitness content had become too sexual, with some claiming it rivals “porn”.
“It’s become so distasteful,” one commented.
“I’m very glad someone’s FINALLY talking about women sexualising fitness. It needs to stop,” added another.
While one noted: “It’s not helpful to my fitness journey in the slightest, it’s gross and adds to misogyny in fitness spaces.”
“Today’s fitness industry it’s like porn,” remarked someone else.
But some argued Itsines wasn’t immune from “sexualising” her own content, with some pointing out she shares workout videos in figure-hugging activewear, and regularly shows her abs.
“I think it’s about perspective, as some would say what your wearing now is doing the same,” reasoned one.
“Yes, the fitness industry is over sexualised… but who is to blame for that? Perhaps look into stronger parental control and stop blaming women,” another argued.
While one said: “But also could we stop sexualizing glutes – just because someone wants to show off their glutes doesn’t make it sexual, i️t’s a muscle they’ve worked hard on.”
Many parents also agreed with Itsines, stating they had noticed a shift from being “strong, healthy, and informative to unobtainable, sexual and ‘how to make men want you’”.
“Thanks for saying this, I worry for my daughters,” shared one mum.
“Couldn’t agree more, especially as a parent,” mused another.
