Heavy Lefting Fitness Free from Capitalism

For many on theleft, the world of physical training and intentional wellness couldn't befurther from consciousness. Whether the leftist is more at home mired inback-to-back union meetings or pounding the streets fuelled only by caffeinefumes, we have a unifying tendency to consider the care of our own bodies asbeing of far lesser importance than the immediate needs of struggle. This is amistake.Our bodies are not only the vessels of our struggle, they are theever-present vehicles of our existence. This disconnect isunderstandable when the industrial image of fitness we're most familiar with isthat of the brightly lit, mirrored chain gym, promising transformation towardsthe capitalist ideal, which has only ever been accessible to the very few. Heavy Lefting starts by revealing alittle-known history of leftist physical training and culture, before exploringthe author's experiences as a left-wing personal trainer (one who began as aconfirmed fitness skeptic), as well as that of fifteen other diverse activists.Becca only first set foot in a gym seeking a practice to support her unionorganising. Years later, she's discovered just how central a physical movementpractice can be to an enjoyable life. The book usesconcepts from the world of organising to explain key fitness principles.Readers are guided in how to build a fitness habits from scratch around busy,stressful lives of activism, work, family, and community commitments. It offerspractical, inclusive workout ideas and an approach to food that's respectful,realistic, enjoyment-focused and mental-health aware. Finally, Heavy Lefting imagines how we mightreorganise society so that inclusive movement and wellness - unwarped by theprofit motive - are made central and accessible to all.