35 | Navigating The Cult of Wellness

How to: Fitness

In this episode of the 'How To Fitness' podcast, hosts Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman explore the idea of cult-like tendencies within the wellness industry, covering fitness, nutrition, and overall wellness. They analyze the psychological reasons why people might become deeply involved in fitness programs and strict diets, likening them to modern-day cults. They also discuss the cultish aspects of boutique fitness establishments, influential nutrition leaders, and wellness gurus, emphasizing both the positive community benefits and potential dangers of extreme practices. The episode touches on societal factors driving people toward these groups, the role of charismatic leaders, and how commercialization within wellness capitalizes on consumer vulnerabilities.

05:16 When defining a “cult,” it typically has a negative connotation. The parameters used to describe a cult can also be applicable outside of religious or fanatical groups that we typically think of when referencing a cult. Encyclopedia Britannica defines a cult as a usually small group of people devoted to a person, idea, or philosophy that falls outside the mainstream. Cult Education Institute: https://culteducation.com/

9:35 Current internet culture is very focused on going against the “mainstream,” and we see this pattern in the fitness and nutrition worlds frequently. Extremism in social media is very prevalent, and this can lead to very cult-like aspects of certain diets or fitness protocols as well as self-improvement groups.

12:21 People buy into extremism when desiring a better life, wanting a source of identity, feeling desperation, and experiencing traumatic events. Certain gyms and diets can give people hope and identity when they’re looking for it most.

15:14 Fitness cults: Boutique fitness gyms often have several characteristics common in cult-like groups, from charismatic leaders to a lifestyle focus beyond just workouts. These groups can give their members a sense of importance and acceptance that offsets the vulnerability of working out.

18:00 With more and more individuals moving away from religion, we can see patterns of fitness replacing spiritual practice. We discuss whether we think this is a negative thing or if there are positive aspects of this culty feel to fitness?

23:36 Nutrition cults: When individuals feel vulnerable, they’re more likely to seek out quick fixes and many aspects of diet culture have aspects of cults in a very negative way by promoting their “One True Way.” As groupthink increases, critical thinking decreases. Netflix documentary: Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives.

29:13 Kate Bowler teaches on the Prosperity Gospel and draws parallels between the PG and current wellness worlds. Both promise health, wealth, and happiness if you work hard enough. This messaging leaves no room for personal error and places the blame on consumers.

33:26 Wellness cults: We dive into how some wellness influencers use similar tactics as cult leaders in promising an idealized version of reality. Exclusivity within the wellness world creates the “us vs. them” mentality that pushes this cult-like aspect even further.

41:07 We can be into fitness and nutrition without being stuck in it. We can buy into group fitness or follow a specific protocol while not being consumed by it. Understanding these culty aspects of the wellness world helps us be more educated consumers.

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Chapter

1. Introduction and Episode Overview (00:00:00)

2. Kate's Struggle with the Topic (00:00:25)

3. Cults and Wellness: The Chosen Topic (00:00:47)

4. American Fascination with Cults (00:02:01)

5. Book Recommendation: Cultish by Amanda Montel (00:02:54)

6. Defining a Cult (00:05:16)

7. Psychological Reasons for Joining Cults (00:12:21)

8. Fitness and Cult-like Communities (00:15:14)

9. The Role of Community in Fitness (00:17:57)

10. American Influence on Fitness Culture (00:22:29)

11. The Harmful Impact of Diet Culture (00:23:36)

12. Cult-Like Leaders in Nutrition (00:24:05)

13. Groupthink and Its Consequences (00:25:40)

14. Personal Stories and Reflections (00:26:21)

15. The Influence of Prosperity Gospel on Wellness (00:29:10)

16. The Wellness Industry's Tactics (00:33:23)

17. The Dangers of Wellness Extremes (00:35:13)

18. Navigating Wellness Without Getting Consumed (00:41:02)

19. Concluding Thoughts and Open Discussion (00:46:22)