The Problem with Fitspiration

Fitspiration

 

The mental and physical state of being inspired by media, pictures, etc., to form a fit body.

 

 

Sounds nice right? It's certainly better than "thinspiration," a hashtag that was actually banned on Instagram because it created a culture where both men and women were doing anything to lose weight and be thin.

 

So yes, fitspiration is a bit better. Or is it?

 

Photo from Pinterest



The model in the photo looks great by most standards, but what many don't realize is her particular lifestyle. She more than likely is a professional fitness model and probably doesn't spend her days working an 8 to 5 job. She spends her time at the gym, or in the kitchen doing meal prep.You won't find her at cocktail parties or happy hour, her gym schedule and healthy eating habits probably don't allow for that.

 

She looks great, yes, but at what cost does the price of looking great come?

 

Photo from Pinterest

Everyone should work out and maintain a healthy lifestyle, but objectifying women's bodies to try to inspire others is not working either. Unless you have the time to dedicate 2 to 3 hours in the gym each day and weigh your food proportionally, chances are you'll find it a bit difficult to achieve this look. Maintaining it is another story.

 

Photo from Pinterest

 

Photo from Pinterest

Slogans such as "She Squats Bro" showcase women scantily clad baring their "assets," and it is just another way of objectifying women as sexual objects. The message of these images come across loud and clear, you should strive to look like the women in the pictures, or at least aspire to. How is this any different than showing skinny fashion models on the cover of magazines? It's still promoting the fact that women, and people in general (I won't exclude men here) value physical perfection.

 

Instead of promoting images supporting any body type, people should be striving for overall health. Did you run 3 miles today? Awesome! Did you do a shoulder and back workout that you're feeling the effects of the next day? Great! Did you skip dessert last night? That's good too- but don't forget to indulge sometimes as well.

 

Comparing yourself or others to images circulating on social media sites is not actually "inspiring" you the way you may think. Instead, you're just comparing yourself to an illusion. You may never look like the women or fitness competitors in the pictures. If you do it more than likely will be hard to maintain- but that's ok.

 

Health is a journey- not a picture. Do what suites you and your body to get there- not a picture.