One of our readers worked on this important journalism in Vox and reminded me of this key part of the puzzle.
"It’s not just about children’s activities, though: pay-to-play, adult social activities represent a growing community outlet in America—but only for those who can afford it. Over the past decade, CrossFit has expanded exponentially to 13,000 boxes in the U.S., adult sports leagues have grown to 1.6 million members, and yoga participation has doubled (Landsverk, 2019; Outside Podcast, 2019; Wei, 2016). In How We Gather (2015), the authors explain that private fitness classes—particularly SoulCycle and CrossFit—are fulfilling the same role that religious and civic institutions once served, providing outlets for community, personal transformation, and accountability. The same can be said of community arts programs, such as improv and creative writing classes. But these forms of community are prohibitively expensive: SoulCycle costs $40 per session, a CrossFit membership goes for $250 per month, and a multi-week arts course will run you anywhere from $250 to $500. And these organizations are often located in more well-off cities and regions, particularly in the privatized neighborhoods where people can pay. These substantial financial and geographic barriers are having predictable consequences. Studies on participation in these activities suggest that participants are overwhelmingly college-educated, urban dwelling, and high-income (Stulburg, 2017; NEA, 2019). When the CrossFit box replaces the Lion’s Club, it is, yet again, lower SES adults who lose access to community."
This is a VERY important article. It should go to all major newspapers and be widely dispersed. At 89, I have watched the results of population growth and the results of trickle down economics on racism and public schools. Sports for fun have all but disappeared in favor of TV and online games, neither of which require movement.
Why not start with The New York Times? Academic and medical journals could be next, followed by any smaller newspapers. (Cannot imagine that Sinclair would touch it, but do send it to Taylor Swift and try to find the Steelers lineman who testified before Congress along with two MD’s perhaps 20 years ago, saying dancing was his favorite exercise.)
Important information, Jeremy — I'm so glad you compiled and put into an easily accessible format. The idea that the convergence of these factors results in dramatically lower life expectancies across regions of our country is important to understand...and then act on through federal, state and local initiatives and programs.
This article really makes you think about how deeply income inequality affects not just our finances, but our health too. It's not just about being able to afford healthcare or gym memberships; it's about how the places we live—whether there’s a park nearby or safe sidewalks to walk on—can shape our ability to be active. The fact that poverty limits opportunities for exercise shows how interconnected our environments are with our health outcomes.
One way to start addressing this is by focusing on public spaces that encourage movement, like local parks and bike trails, especially in low-income areas. These spaces don’t just give people a place to exercise; they also foster a sense of community and make healthy living feel more accessible. If we could also shift the focus of health campaigns to emphasize the overall benefits of being active—beyond just fitness or weight loss—it might help more people feel like they can get involved, no matter their background.
Lastly, community-based programs like walking groups or local fitness events could be a great way to give people an opportunity to be active without the financial burden. It’s all about creating environments where being healthy is not only possible but feels like part of everyday life for everyone.
One of our readers worked on this important journalism in Vox and reminded me of this key part of the puzzle.
"It’s not just about children’s activities, though: pay-to-play, adult social activities represent a growing community outlet in America—but only for those who can afford it. Over the past decade, CrossFit has expanded exponentially to 13,000 boxes in the U.S., adult sports leagues have grown to 1.6 million members, and yoga participation has doubled (Landsverk, 2019; Outside Podcast, 2019; Wei, 2016). In How We Gather (2015), the authors explain that private fitness classes—particularly SoulCycle and CrossFit—are fulfilling the same role that religious and civic institutions once served, providing outlets for community, personal transformation, and accountability. The same can be said of community arts programs, such as improv and creative writing classes. But these forms of community are prohibitively expensive: SoulCycle costs $40 per session, a CrossFit membership goes for $250 per month, and a multi-week arts course will run you anywhere from $250 to $500. And these organizations are often located in more well-off cities and regions, particularly in the privatized neighborhoods where people can pay. These substantial financial and geographic barriers are having predictable consequences. Studies on participation in these activities suggest that participants are overwhelmingly college-educated, urban dwelling, and high-income (Stulburg, 2017; NEA, 2019). When the CrossFit box replaces the Lion’s Club, it is, yet again, lower SES adults who lose access to community."
https://www.vox.com/culture/23726136/community-privatization-corporations-sam-pressler
This is a VERY important article. It should go to all major newspapers and be widely dispersed. At 89, I have watched the results of population growth and the results of trickle down economics on racism and public schools. Sports for fun have all but disappeared in favor of TV and online games, neither of which require movement.
Feel free to send along to any publications that you think would want to share it!
Why not start with The New York Times? Academic and medical journals could be next, followed by any smaller newspapers. (Cannot imagine that Sinclair would touch it, but do send it to Taylor Swift and try to find the Steelers lineman who testified before Congress along with two MD’s perhaps 20 years ago, saying dancing was his favorite exercise.)
Outstanding. Thanks for this.
Glad to hear it and appreciate if you’re able to share with others
Important information, Jeremy — I'm so glad you compiled and put into an easily accessible format. The idea that the convergence of these factors results in dramatically lower life expectancies across regions of our country is important to understand...and then act on through federal, state and local initiatives and programs.
Absolutely. Exercise and access to it is about so much more than just being in shape.
This article really makes you think about how deeply income inequality affects not just our finances, but our health too. It's not just about being able to afford healthcare or gym memberships; it's about how the places we live—whether there’s a park nearby or safe sidewalks to walk on—can shape our ability to be active. The fact that poverty limits opportunities for exercise shows how interconnected our environments are with our health outcomes.
One way to start addressing this is by focusing on public spaces that encourage movement, like local parks and bike trails, especially in low-income areas. These spaces don’t just give people a place to exercise; they also foster a sense of community and make healthy living feel more accessible. If we could also shift the focus of health campaigns to emphasize the overall benefits of being active—beyond just fitness or weight loss—it might help more people feel like they can get involved, no matter their background.
Lastly, community-based programs like walking groups or local fitness events could be a great way to give people an opportunity to be active without the financial burden. It’s all about creating environments where being healthy is not only possible but feels like part of everyday life for everyone.
Those inequalities are definitely deeply interconnected
A game not everyone gets to play
So glad to hear it! And would be grateful if you would recommend / share with others