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Lead Myself, Live Forward: An Autoethnography of My XENITH Journey

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Dissertation embargoed until 14th November 2026(976.3 KB)

Date

2024

Authors

Li, Feiran

Supervisor

Wright, Richard
Enari, Dion

Item type

Dissertation

Degree name

Master of Business

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Volume Title

Publisher

Auckland University of Technology

Abstract

This autoethnographic study delves into my personal experience with XENITH, a renowned global leader in group fitness based in Auckland. Through the employment of a serious leisure perspective, I explore why I, along with many other Asian females, find myself obsessed with the XENITH FIGHTCOMBO group fitness program. It has provided me with physical and psychological benefits together with social support (Kim et al., 2014). Most importantly, it has enabled me to develop traits like individuality and assertiveness, which are often deficient among Asians due to the influence of Confucian principles (Cheng, 1990). Unique insights are uncovered through the construction and consumption of the evocative autoethnography focused on my participation and socio-cultural connection through the XENITH FIGHTCOMBO group fitness classes. Through my personal narrative of the various stages of involvement in this serious leisure pursuit – starting, developing, establishing, and maintaining, I reminisce about my past, review the present, and envision the future, displaying a leisure career of eminent showmanship (Stebbins, 2020). The whole process embodies self-discovery, allowing me to break free from the rigid Asian stereotype of characterising females as cute and weak. It liberates me from societal standards and external expectations, empowering me to lead a life guided by my own choices and aspirations. Finally, I reflect on the entire writing process and my master’s study, recognising them also as a testament to emotional intelligence and self-leadership. As I write and study, I find myself growing—learning to respect and embrace the community around me while intending to spread passion and love through my workouts and words. The purpose of this study is to resonate with readers and reveal the socio-cultural impact of group fitness as an emerging serious leisure activity, underscoring the significance of leisure education and promoting the application of autoethnography.

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Permanent link

http://hdl.handle.net/10292/18310

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Masters Dissertations