77 research outputs found
Three methodological strategies to approach the movement in qualitative studies of physical exercise and sport
No full textEn el presente artículo se analizan algunas consideraciones metodológicas para abordar al movimiento en los estudios al ejercicio físico y al deporte desde una perspectiva cualitativa. La mayoría de las actividades de los seres humanos en general y, de los deportistas en particular, no son estáticas, por el contrario, sus cuerpos están en constante movimiento, mas ¿cómo entonces abordar metodológicamente esta dimensión tan básica, elemental y compleja? Para responder a esta pregunta, se reflexionan tres estrategias relevantes. Primero, la importancia de la observación como técnica de recopilación de datos. Segundo, las complejidades de intentar verbalizar movimientos. Por último, se problematiza el movimiento como una experiencia emocional.This article analyzes some methodological considerations for the study of movement in physical exercise and sport from a qualitative perspective. Most of the activities of human beings in general and, of athletes in particular, are not static, on the contrary, their bodies are in constant movement, but how then to methodologically approach this basic, elemental and complex dimension? To answer this question, three relevant strategies are discussed. First, the importance of observation as a data collection technique. Second, the complexities of trying to verbalize movements. Finally, movement is problematized as an emotional experience.Fil: Sossa Rojas, Alexis. Centre for Latin American Research and Documentation. Universidad de Ámsterdam/CEDLA. Área de investigaciones: estudios culturales, sociología del cuerpo, actividad física
Three methodological strategies to approach the movement in qualitative studies of physical exercise and sport
No full textEn el presente artículo se analizan algunas consideraciones metodológicas para abordar al movimiento en los estudios al ejercicio físico y al deporte desde una perspectiva cualitativa. La mayoría de las actividades de los seres humanos en general y, de los deportistas en particular, no son estáticas, por el contrario, sus cuerpos están en constante movimiento, mas ¿cómo entonces abordar metodológicamente esta dimensión tan básica, elemental y compleja? Para responder a esta pregunta, se reflexionan tres estrategias relevantes. Primero, la importancia de la observación como técnica de recopilación de datos. Segundo, las complejidades de intentar verbalizar movimientos. Por último, se problematiza el movimiento como una experiencia emocional.This article analyzes some methodological considerations for the study of movement in physical exercise and sport from a qualitative perspective. Most of the activities of human beings in general and, of athletes in particular, are not static, on the contrary, their bodies are in constant movement, but how then to methodologically approach this basic, elemental and complex dimension? To answer this question, three relevant strategies are discussed. First, the importance of observation as a data collection technique. Second, the complexities of trying to verbalize movements. Finally, movement is problematized as an emotional experience.Fil: Sossa Rojas, Alexis. Centre for Latin American Research and Documentation. Universidad de Ámsterdam/CEDLA. Área de investigaciones: estudios culturales, sociología del cuerpo, actividad física
Three methodological strategies to approach the movement in qualitative studies of physical exercise and sport
No full textEn el presente artículo se analizan algunas consideraciones metodológicas para abordar al movimiento en los estudios al ejercicio físico y al deporte desde una perspectiva cualitativa. La mayoría de las actividades de los seres humanos en general y, de los deportistas en particular, no son estáticas, por el contrario, sus cuerpos están en constante movimiento, mas ¿cómo entonces abordar metodológicamente esta dimensión tan básica, elemental y compleja? Para responder a esta pregunta, se reflexionan tres estrategias relevantes. Primero, la importancia de la observación como técnica de recopilación de datos. Segundo, las complejidades de intentar verbalizar movimientos. Por último, se problematiza el movimiento como una experiencia emocional.This article analyzes some methodological considerations for the study of movement in physical exercise and sport from a qualitative perspective. Most of the activities of human beings in general and, of athletes in particular, are not static, on the contrary, their bodies are in constant movement, but how then to methodologically approach this basic, elemental and complex dimension? To answer this question, three relevant strategies are discussed. First, the importance of observation as a data collection technique. Second, the complexities of trying to verbalize movements. Finally, movement is problematized as an emotional experience.Fil: Sossa Rojas, Alexis. Centre for Latin American Research and Documentation. Universidad de Ámsterdam/CEDLA. Área de investigaciones: estudios culturales, sociología del cuerpo, actividad física
Empowering older adults through yoga: Strategies for effective instruction
No full textThis study examines the unique considerations and strategies that yoga instructors can adopt when teaching older adults, a demographic that faces specific physical and psychological changes, necessitating a tailored approach to yoga practice. It presents an ethnographic study conducted over nearly nine months, examining the relationship between physical exercise and health among older adults in the post-COVID-19 context (Sossa, 2024a). A significant finding from this broader study was the participants' positive evaluation of yoga. Building on this initial data, the researcher focused explicitly on yoga practice for an additional four months. The paper considers the qualitative perspectives of class attendees and instructors to discuss the perceived benefits, risks, difficulties, and barriers associated with yoga practice. By comparing and contrasting viewpoints, it provides important insights for those interested in practicing yoga, as well as for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations that promote active aging and enhance the well-being of older populations. Key focus areas include the adaptation of poses, the incorporation of supportive props, and fostering a welcoming environment that encourages participation. Ultimately, this study aims to equip instructors with effective teaching methods to enhance the yoga experience for older adults, contributing to their physical fitness and mental health
Cuerpo y sociología. Reflexiones sobre el cuerpo en la teoría sociológica clásica: Exploración al pensamiento de Marx, Durkheim y Weber
Full text linkIn this article takes place an exploration about observations made to the body as a sociological phenomenon in the theoretical thinking of Marx, Durkheim and Weber, assuming that this topic has not been taken in account particularly by any of the previous mentioned authors. After approaching these concepts, several scopes these analyses have had in the afterwards sociological theory are pointed out
Verdad, discurso y libertad en Foucault. Reflexiones a partir de su etapa arqueológica
No full textEl presente artículo analiza la etapa denominada arqueológica de Michel Foucault. Puntualizando principalmente cómo en esta etapa es entendido el concepto de libertad desde la noción foucaultiana de discurso. Se aborda, en este sentido, la etapa arqueológica de Foucault desde tres áreas. La primera, nos habla de cómo se erige lo diferente, lo anormal. La segunda, expone cómo se construye lo aparente, lo indiscutible. Por último, a partir de un marco teórico previamente expuesto, reflexionamos respecto del concepto de libertad
Body, Meanings, and Physical Exercise in Older Adults: The Qualitative Perspective of Frequent Gym-Goers
Full text linkIt is known that rates of participation in sports and physical activities among older adults decrease as they get older. This article focuses on the experience of the aging body at the gym, and it is one of the few that focuses on a little-studied group of frequent gym-goers. Based on an ethnographic work of more than two years in Amsterdam, I explain the goals of three older adults who frequently work out, what their relationships with the gym and their bodies are, and why they are interested in training in gyms. This article seeks to contribute to discourses on health, sport, and aging and, at the same time, to explain some of the advantages of qualitative studies in understanding the experience of aging and training in gyms
Physical Exercise and Older People: Always a Happy Relationship? Four Qualitative Reflections to Deepen Understanding
No full textIn this paper, I recall reflections from and discussions with both older people who exercise actively and with personal trainers who specialise in working with older people to address two essential elements that should be clarified: First, what are we talking about when we discuss sport, physical exercise and physical activity, especially when we relate them to older people? Second, the benefits of exercise are known, but what are the margins and precautions that this group of people should consider, and even the damage that physical exercise can cause to them? Based on qualitative data that are taken from different ethnographic works, four areas are considered: What does it mean to train as a senior?; are injuries inevitable?; the dangers of having an athlete’s identity; and the hazards of body-image ideals. This work gives voice to older athletes and their coaches, and contributes to studies on physical activity, older people and wellbeing
Bodily Practices and Meanings Articulated in the Physical Exercise of Older Adults in Santiago de Chile Post-COVID-19
No full textThis article presents the results of almost nine months of ethnographic research on the relationship between physical exercise and health in older people in the post-COVID-19 context. Via exploratory–descriptive qualitative research and the use of a convenient sample, I shed light on this relationship using the stories and life experiences of 40 older people (10 men and 30 women, including two women instructors for senior classes) who exercise regularly. The meanings they attributed to physical exercise during COVID-19 and after it are explained, emphasising first that there is no health in a context of not feeling safe; once there is a feeling of security, the most relevant meanings can be exposed in three directions. First, exercise produces a sense of identity linked to “being an athlete” and “belonging to a group”. Second, exercising is valued as participating in something meaningful (the meanings range from self-realisation, independence, and autonomy to feelings of happiness). Finally, and linked to the sense of identity, those who train alone show more commitment and total hours spent in physical exercise and physical activity than those who train in groups. Even though older people are not a homogeneous group, they generally faced the pandemic as an ageist situation that affected their lives and how they saw sports and health. This article describes the strategies they used during COVID-19 related to exercise and well-being and those used once the pandemic restrictions were no longer present. The qualitative aspects that physical exercise brings to this population are highlighted. The research results give voice to older people, showing their heterogeneity and the meanings and practices that unite them. These inputs are rich material for studies on physical activity, older people, and well-being
Studying Corporality in the Gym: Practical Reflections for the Social Sciences
No full textThe study of the body has led to more than five decades of varied and prolific production by social scientists. However, their theoretical and methodological approaches have been as diverse as these investigations. This article, using concrete examples, reflects on the theoretical and methodological implications applied to the study of the body and corporality in the gyms, and aims to show that there is not a rigid set of embodied practices or one type of gym users; on the contrary, they can vary depending on multiple factors such as economic, cultural, or geographical context. It concludes with the author's opinion that Physical Cultural Studies offers an excellent set of tools to investigate the physical and subjective aspects of gym practices.</p
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