This study aims to investigate the conceptions of physical education teachers about their professional practice and some issues related to the body. The focus is the reality of small gyms in Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro. Data were obtained by semi-structured interviews, observation and notes in a field diary. Teacher's practices were directed to the needs of the student and to preserve their physical integrity. Social and economics characteristics of the region seem to collaborate to a work routine that stress exhaustive exercises. It was detected some tension between the discourse and the practice of these instructors, whose students claim for immediate results.
Fitness centers; body; physical education; health