RECONCILING LUXURY AND NEED

Physical fitness should be an important part of our lives because of the many advantages it is known to bring to those who maintain fitness standards of health. Some of the benefits of physical exercise are increased mental focus and a healthier body, just to name a few. Good levels of physical fitness should be actively promoted and encouraged in our society across all demographics and social lines. Our culture however does not give equal deference to those with a fit body, and those with disabilities. This can be seen in everything from advertisements, mannequins, TV ads, and layouts of the places that claim to be the pillar of health and fitness. While many places invoke images of health and fitness, the gym is a cornerstone of this image and one of the main places individuals flock to for access to physical fitness. However, many gyms across the United States are not doing enough to promote healthy living among those who have physical disabilities. This lack of promotion is done by not promoting in advertisements images that would relate to that demographic, and also failing to utilize physical structures that can accommodate them. These people should be able to receive the same level of attention and marketing as those with bodies free from a disability. The culture of the wheelchair and the handicapped, as well as recent developments and advances in technology, make it feasible for gyms to incorporate the techniques and tools used at PT offices into the daily gym routine for all users. Rather than focusing on the individual's impairments, or lack of impairments, the gyms should be focusing on the experience that is being offered to the client. By doing this, it will be easier to focus on the amenities as universal in nature, versus being catered to any specific group. A luxury setting in a gym is another feature that specialty luxury gyms have that many PT offices do not have. There is the option of reconciling the best of both of these settings into one universal gym that takes the best features of a PT office, and a luxury gym. This creates an experience for all users that is focused on being client centered on luxury, rather than focusing on body images of those who meet a certain image and ability, and those who do not.

Author

• Algwaidhy, Reema D.

Language

• English

Keyword

• Eguality
• Strength
• Chic
• Elegant
• Luxe
• Ability

Date created

• 2014

Type of Work

• Master's Thesis

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• Interior Design

Degree

• M.A.

Advisor

• Algwaidhy, Reema Daham

Committee Member(s)

• Healey, Jonathan
• Henson, Krystal
• Bishop, Emily

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/dj52w577f