“Sarados” and “Gostosas” among some Others: Aspects of masculine and feminine Body Education in fitness centres

Abstract

This paper presents results of a six months research in two f i tness centers in Florianópolis. The approaches – orientated by the contemporary phenomenon of the cult of body – show up that the ascetic racing to the idealized body involves a praise/contempt of certain body segments and symbolic and materials borders that influence men and women in their choosing of different practices. The gender question is closely linked with the geographic spaces and the different hierarchies of corporal image. The results suggest the fluidity of human relations and carry the reflection to the possibility of subject vanishing.