Bodily practices in the fitness centers: a look at the “fluminense” body

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the conceptions of physical education teachers who act in small fitness centers of Rio de Janeiro about their professional practice and some issues related to the body. Data were obtained by semi-structured interviews, observation and notes in a field diary. The teachers demonstrated concern to meet the needs of the student and to preserve their physical integrity. However, social and economics characteristics of this particular region seem to collaborate to a work routine that stress exhaustive exercises. There also had been detected some tension between the discourse and the practice of these instructors, whose students claim for immediate results.