The use of mirrors in gyms is a contentious topic, with many gym-goers having conflicting opinions over whether a mirror was necessary during execise. According to Rutherford, mirrors were introduced into the back of gyms in the 80s when body builders needed them to practice posing, but over time they slowly snuck into the main exercise area (2015). As part of the survey, participants were asked the question "Why do you use mirrors in the gym?"

 

Their responses have been tabulated below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the majority of respondants answering that mirrors were used to ensure correct performance, the experts had diverging views: 

 

Working in a commercial gym, Jess was supportive of mirrors, explaining that they were a tool for self-correction. 

 

"I'm about to graduate as an exercise physiologist and when it comes to exercise, technique is a really important thing, often people don't know when they're doing an exercise incorrectly and they can use the mirror as a way to self-correct."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture above: A URAC group exercise classroom where gym-goers can watch their performance during a variety of cardio and weightlifting classes. 

 

However, in Cato's experience, mirrors were just another mechanism for distracton:

 

"There is a huge dogma surrounding the presence of mirrors. I would see people's exercise form and technique change because they were looking at a two-dimensional view of themselves in the mirror, rather than setting their posture and doing the movement correctly without distractions. The posture of the neck is important when doing any exercise, if you are twisting your neck when to look in the mirror it can create many bad habits and injuries." 

 

Instead of mirrors, Lift Performance Centre is staffed with skilled trainers during all opening hours who are available to critique form and give feedback. However, there are options for individuals who want to track their progress or critique their form. 

 

"People who are into lifting and quality of movement can tape themselves (using a gopro device) or put it up online for their coach. The same with fat-loss clients, we take weekly progress photos to demonstrate improvement to show increase in muscle and posture imporvement. These facilities are an easy way for us to continue to push our ethos that there are better ways to exercise than standing in front of a mirror."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture above: No mirrors here at Lift Performance Centre.