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Holistic Motion
Welcome to Holistic Motion, the podcast hosted by Andrew Briggs, a seasoned personal trainer, massage therapist, content creator, and nutrition coach. Join us as we delve into the fascinating intersection of fitness and social issues, challenging the status quo and providing a platform for thought-provoking discussions.
Andrew's passion for starting this podcast stemmed from a growing concern over the prevalence of generic answers and incomplete information in the fitness industry. With his extensive expertise and diverse background, he offers a holistic view on a wide range of topics, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.
Prepare yourself for captivating episodes that tackle pressing social issues within the fitness world. From thought-provoking dialogues on the impact of trans athletes on women's rights, to deep dives into men's mental health and the connections between music, exercise, and well-being, our podcast explores it all. We also take a critical look at the acceptance of obesity in society, examining the consequences for individuals and the broader community.
Andrew's unique insight as a Chek practitioner, powerlifter, bodybuilder, and massage therapist allows him to approach these subjects from various angles. By incorporating an open-minded perspective and a willingness to explore conservative topics related to fitness, he brings a fresh and inclusive approach to the conversation.
Holistic Motion aims to empower our listeners by distilling complex subjects into easily understandable information. We debunk fitness myths, expose corporate manipulations, and challenge governmental misconceptions, providing you with the tools to become self-sufficient in your health and wellness journey.
Expect a podcast that strikes a balance between serious discussions and light-hearted moments. While we dedicate the majority of our content to in-depth explorations of these important topics, we sprinkle in humor, jokes, and memes to keep the conversation engaging and relatable.
Our podcast is designed for men and women, aged 18 to 44, who are tired of being misled by health and fitness lies from corporations and governments. If you're seeking reliable information, a comprehensive understanding of social issues in fitness, someone whose generally liberal-minded but not afraid of conservative conversations, and a community of like-minded individuals, Holistic Motion is the podcast for you.
As we continue to grow, we have exciting plans in store, including live stream Q&A sessions and interviews with influential guests from various backgrounds within the fitness industry.
Join Andrew Briggs on Holistic Motion, and embark on a journey to reclaim your health, challenge the norm, and embrace a holistic approach to fitness and well-being.
Holistic Motion
78: Will The Gym Turn You Right Wing?
Why is going to the gym being treated like a political decision? According to some media outlets, lifting weights might just be your first step down the pipeline to fascism. Sounds absurd, right? But articles like The Guardian's “Fascist Fitness” suggest otherwise, claiming that the far-right is recruiting through online fitness groups.
In this episode, I dive into these claims and break down the alleged connection between fitness, masculinity, and conservative ideology. We explore how historical figures like Yukio Mishima and even Hitler tied strength to national identity. But does getting stronger really make you more right-wing? Or is this media hysteria gone wild?
I examine the science behind these claims—discussing studies on testosterone, political alignment, and personality traits like parochial altruism. Does increasing your deadlift PR mean you're on your way to adopting far-right beliefs? Or are we oversimplifying how fitness influences personal growth?
We also take a humorous look at gym culture—from the crass jokes to the supposed "fascist gyms" like the Barbell Strength Tribe described in academic articles. Plus, I share some wild Reddit takes on why gyms skew conservative and what that says about our broader cultural narratives around fitness.
Spoiler: It's not about politics—it's about personal development. But the conversation around fitness, masculinity, and political identity is far from black and white.
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:09 The Guardian Articles
00:06:08 Why This Is So Hard To Research
00:06:44 Are There Even That Many People?
00:08:27 The "GYM FASCISM" Article
00:10:36 Is Fitness Homophobic?
00:13:18 Why Does Fitness Feel So Politically Charged?
00:15:24 How Physiology Impacts Your Politics
00:19:00 Reddit: Why Do Gyms Skew Conservative?
00:21:32 Is Fitness (and Conservatism) Selfish?
00:22:47 r/AskConservatives
00:24:34 What My Followers Thought
00:26:09 How Personality SCIENTIFICALLY Impacts Political Preference
00:26:59 Openness
00:27:58 Conscientousness
00:29:15 Extraversion
00:30:34 Agreeableness
00:32:02 neuroticism
00:34:21 Heritable Mental Illnesses
00:34:52 My Thoughts BEFORE Starting
00:38:11 Why Are Conservative Pundits Healthier?
00:38:32 Why Are Liberal Pundits Healthier?
00:38:59 Every Fitness Influencer Is Conservative
00:40:46 IS The Gym Even Masculine?
00:44:20 Final Thoughts: Can You Transcend Your Genes and Upbringing?
00:45:37 So Will The Gym Make You A Conservative?
00:46:08 SLPLASH and outro
@RealAndrewBriggs @HolisticMotionco HolisticMotion.com