Deconstructing the Fitness Industrial Complex: Community Movement Session

Barnard College welcomes editors Justice Roe Williams, Roc Rochon, and Lawrence Koval as well as contributor Asher Freeman in celebration of their new book Deconstructing the Fitness Industrial Complex; How to Resist, Disrupt and Reclaim what it means to be Fit in American Culture (North Atlantic Books.)

Exploring their own diverse experiences as personal trainers, gym founders, educators, activists and movement instructors who hold BIPOC, trans, queer, fat, neurodiverse and other identities, the contributors to this anthology challenge what it means to be “fit” or “unfit,” “well” or “unwell,” while operating within an industry that defines fitness as straight, white, male, middle class, heteronormative and thin. Readers are invited to consider the origins of gym culture in the U.S., including the roles of eugenics, nationalism, evangelism and more.

Our speakers will interrogate the Fitness Industrial Complex and our role in it through a Community Movement session and panel discussion.

Schedule

Community Movement Session: 3-4pm, Arthur Ross Courtyard (Quad), Barnard College (3009 Broadway, NYC) led by Roc Rochon (founder of Rooted Resistance,) Justice Roe Williams (founder of Fitness4AllBodies), and trainer Lawrence Koval.

Free yoga mats will be available, or bring your own.

Followed by a Panel Discussion, Q&A, and Book Signing: 5-7:30pm, Milstein Center Room LL002 (Chu Classroom) (3009 Broadway, NYC)

Free and open to the public. Free food and refreshments. Books will be available for purchase. RSVP required. RSVP

Co-Sponsors

BLAIS, LeFrak Foundation Center for Well-Being, The Wellness Spot, and the Barnard College Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Diversity Council.

Accessibility

Accessibility needs please email tbryant@barnard.edu.