Movement As a Privilege

In 2018, the fitness industry clocked in as a $92 billion industry worldwide, and it’s projected to reach $106 billion by 2020, according to a State of the Industry report. The National Center for Health Statistics indicate that while millions of dollars have gone toward fighting obesity, the average American has packed on 15 pounds.

Self-help and fitness books have single-handedly increased non-fiction sales by 9%. And, while catchy slogans like “sitting is the new smoking” are commonplace and yoga pants are everywhere, the average American sits 10 hours a day.

Is it possible that our efforts to promote an active lifestyle are not only falling short, but might actually be making things worse?

Arguably, this mushrooming industry has paradoxically made exercise more difficult, imposing financial and social barriers. Who can afford a Peleton with a starting price of $2,245, plus an additional $39 monthly membership fee? Perhaps more notably, whose reality can live up to Peleton’s aspirational images of airbrushed people with multimillion-dollar views? 

How many of us can afford to exercise if what’s required is a $400 outfit and $200 shoes? Nearly half of Americans don’t have $400 on hand to cover in case of an emergency—and that was before the economic impact of coronavirus.

There is an unmistakable, growing divide in our communities and across our nation. Our schools are at their highest point of segregation since Brown v. Board of Education. This divide has led not only to an achievement gap, but also to a movement gap – something that I saw first-hand as an urban public high school teacher. In underserved schools, physical education and sports are minimal, and in many cases, non-existent. Furthermore, social factors like expectations to care for younger siblings lead many to miss out on the few physical activity opportunities that are available. 

Playing sports at a high level like soccer, historically known as “the people’s sport,” requires the backing of financially well-resourced parents who are willing to cart their progeny long distances. Up until about 25 years ago, extracurricular activities such as band, debate club and sports teams, were free. Now, families have to pay for these, with an average cost of $900 per year. Not a big deal if your family has a net income of 200K a year, but out of range for a family with a net income of only 18K. 

David Putnam, author of “Bowling Alone,” “Our Kids,” and most recently, “Upswing,” notes that the “pay to play” trend has increased, leaving children from poorer families behind. 85% of children from higher income families participate in extracurricular activities, whereas only 65% of children from the lowest-income families do.

The effects of this gap can have long-term effects, shortchanging kids of invaluable soft skills, such as teamwork, accountability and grit. It is these soft skills that have a measurable impact on a child’s projected lifetime income. 

The playing field, including the literal playing field, needs to be leveled – so that movement is not a privilege, but a right for all.