Find your #fitspiration
The entire social media #fitspiration thing has always been an issue that has bothered me. In an industry where we can now post anything online and as long as we look good while doing it will get likes, often makes me wonder how I can get my message across. Of course we all want to look good when we make a social media post, but more importantly, the content of what we are saying or doing should take precedence. I came across an article on Facebook earlier this week that has had me thinking about the #fitspiration trend all week. Read the article here and then follow along below for my own ideas on the matter.
I totally agree that we have too many shirtless, sports bras and spandex photos, getting TONS of likes. It kills me because no one has seen how that girl actually moved through her motions and if she even has the competence to train well with proper technique. As a fitness instructor, I sometimes struggle with what to post to get my point across yet still get noticed with likes and comments. I’m not sure if people who post in their sports bras want to portray confidence, but I find that I am just as confident with a shirt on, being happy, and feeling strong. I also often question, like in the article, if these girls are healthy. Often times the girls posting are underweight but are ‘fit’ because of the athlete attire they have on. The rest of us then, have the tendency to get sucked into trying to look like her, post similar images, and as a result also gain an online following.
Agreeing with the article, I definitely think that athletes who train hard, commit to their fitness and performance goals, and dedicate long hours to perfect their craft should be praised as an inspiration. To be honest, I feel motivated seeing others work hard and it makes me want to never settle for anything but being the best. Unfortunately, it seems that weare more worried about how attractive a girl is at the time of her photo being taken instead of what she is physically capable of.
Something that I do like about #fitspiration, however, is that the idea behind it, in my eyes, is to motivate the average girl. I have heard it before and will hear it again; sometimes extremely strong females can be intimidating for others and do the opposite of inspire. Regardless of your opinion on that, I think we can all agree that when we can more easily relate to someone, we have a greater tendency to give something a try. It would be refreshing to see more #fitspiration posts with female athletes, inspiring the everyday girl that she is capable of accomplishing anything. Let’s also not forget that Canada’s Nike Master Trainer Eva, as stunning as she is, always posts appropriate, yet still inspiring photos, most often following it with the ‘fitspiration’ hashtag. Eva is reminding women every day that we can fulfill our goals.
What can we do to watch out for this online, change this trend and water down posts?
Be inspired by people actually doing great things! We can all take a photo in our sports bra with perfect lighting and makeup 10 times before posting the best shot. The question is though, can we choose an image or video clip that, although may look good, actually inspires others? Don’t get caught up in looks all the time. When we start to do remarkable things in the gym, the results will come, and we will not only feel confident on the inside but also with our appearance. Remember that social media isn’t always what it appears to be. Take everything you see and read with a grain of salt. Above all, always make sure to have your own mental filter turned on as you scroll your newsfeed looking for your daily dose of #fitspiration!
Be fierce. Be strong. Be vibrant.
Rachel
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