Psychology of Swole
Psychology of Swole Logo Created by Jonas Marcovitz ’23
“Psychology of Swole” is the podcast Jonas M. 23’ and I created exploring the intersections of mental and physical health. Inspired by our own struggles in and out of the gym, we wanted to get real answers to the confusion wrought by social media. So, we decided we would get the facts, going after the experts leading the fields of psychology and physiology.
In our first episode, we interview Rutgers University clinical psychologist Jessica Yu, who has done extensive research on body image and related phenomena. While the intended topic was her study on the stigmatization and stereotyping of male steroid use, we also discuss the detrimental effects of social media on the expectations that teens have for their bodies. In our conversation, Dr. Yu exposes a positive correlation between steroid use and the prevalence of social media, which has led me to reanalyze my own social media use.
I realized that, perhaps, my Instagram feed full of amateur bodybuilders on “juices” had corrupted the healthiness of my time in the gym. Many young men have a similar experience, subjecting themselves to increased and unrealistic scrutiny without realizing it.
I’m also aware that “masculinity” has several meanings today. That said, I have felt a pressure to be both physically and emotionally strong. Our podcast shows the anthropological aspects of weightlifting with the aim of alleviating psychological and physical harm, opening an interdisciplinary dialogue that debunks myths and encourages further conversation.
After creating this podcast, I feel empowered as not just another guy within my gym community, but someone speaking to a wider audience. By bringing in expert voices, Jonas and I hope to have expanded our community and the way we relate to it. Like the academic community, the gym community is full of driven individuals who come together around a common goal.
Listen to our conversations with Dr. Yu and more on Spotify.Available at: anchor.fm