Pedagogy of body and gender construction in the practice of bodybuilding in gym

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the discourses produced by men and women about their bodies when they look for the bodybuilding practice. The aims of the research were to analyze the gender relationship that is present in the gym environment; check the practice of bodybuilding out as pedagogy of the body, which builds the female and male models; and find out about the profile of the bodybuilders who work out at the UEM Gym. This research can be justified by the low academic output in physical education studies directed at understanding the nuances and variables which involve weightlifting training at the gym. It is also a privileged locus for the study of the gender relations and the reproduction of male and female values bout the physical activity, as well as a learning space where the representations of body and gender are formed. The data gathered indicate that women value the lean body pattern, whereas, taking the 30 men interviewed into account, it can be said the ideal man body is the bloated one. In a way, both men and women distort or fragment the body.