ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters in this book. The book explores how contemporary knowledge about the body shapes the way in which it can be experienced in different contexts, times and spaces as either the possession of the individual or the possession of society. It describes to challenge simplistic assumptions that the individual is a unique being, one that is constantly presented by contemporary neoliberal discourses as being in control of one's destiny and free to determine one's actions. The book introduces the period of training by incorporating a series of initial reflections as started the training programme. It provides the opportunity to consider the themes that emerged during the training period in greater theoretical detail. The book applies the themes that emerged to explore questions relating to social understanding of the role of 'personal trainers' and how they fit into current formulations of a health practitioner and commercial entrepreneur.
