The term “winter arc” was coined on TikTok, according to Under Armour. It refers to the process of working on one’s physical health and “locking in” before the warm weather. People who are on their winter arcs often post TikToks and mirror pictures at the gym and sharing the experience seems to be a big part of it. I’ve also noticed that since the winter arc is partially about showing people how focused one is on the gym and their health, a lot of unnecessary spending happens as a result. For example, Under Armour has a whole page dedicated to the winter arc on their website with a section at the end advertising things to buy from them for reader’s winter workouts. Also, since social media plays a big role in the winter arc trend, I see a lot of people showing their new workout sets, water bottles, supplements, etc. People can partake in the trend and focus on their health, but it seems to oftentimes be used as an opportunity to show wealth rather than to show progress.
Aside from the aesthetic and spending, the winter arc seems good for the wellbeing of the people participating. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2024 the average American, 15 or older, spent only about 0.31 hours per day doing sports, exercise and recreation. This number contrasts with the 30 minutes (0.50 hours) per day, five days per week that adults should participate in moderate-intensity physical activity according to the CDC. Thus, a trend that encourages physical activity is positive for the health of those involved and it helps address the lack of physical activity that most Americans have. On the other hand, if someone doing the winter arc trend sees others on social media they may be pressured to overwork themselves and lose balance between their social and work life and their time spent exercising. I also think the winter arc can promote the idea that people should be skinny in the warmer weather or “swimsuit ready.” The comparison that comes as a result of people posting before and after clips or pictures online can lead people to lose track of health and focus on skininess.It is absolutely a positive thing to work on one’s health during the wintertime when many Americans are stuck in a school or an office sitting all day but it should be more focused on health rather than a beauty standard.
The winter arc can be beneficial to one’s health and wellbeing if it is used as such but it can also become an obsessive part of people’s lives that drains their time and mental health. Overall, I think it’s a good thing as long as it isn’t rooted in comparison.
