Bodies in Control: Feminine Identity Produced in Bikini Fitness

Bodybuilding and fitness is a sport traditionally associated with masculinity. Bikini fitness is a branch of this sport, can be interpreted as idealizing feminine aesthetics without having an overly muscular appearance of the body. Through the experiences of women in this sport, we can analyze both the reconstruction of the gender regime and the different forms of challenging the masculine control. While the athletes in this area are trying to reach the idealized female body, on the other hand, the practice of wearing bikinis poses a threat against masculine domination. The aim o this study is to examine the sexist / discriminatory practices that bikini fitness women are exposed to in relation to body and power relations and masculine domination. Phenomenology was used in this research as qualitative research methods. Data were collected by interview method. A total of six participants, including two coaches and four athletes, participated in the study. Data were analyzed by the content analysis method. Findings show that bikini fitness is a gendered area and that disciplinary power practices are practiced in this area. The participants' families and social circles were disturbed by the fact that they were wearing bikinis and worried about being muscular as men. As a result, bikini fitness, on the one hand, represses the traditional feminine norms of women, on the other hand, is an empowering practice because of the ability to destroy the patterns of masculine control over the body. contributes to boosting young adults’ confidence. Gender, income, hometown, and future vocational aspirations to practice in the same field as one’s studies do not significantly predict overall career adaptability