Recently Fitspiration accounts on Instagram and Twitter have received quite a bit of abuse from viewers, especially women. Ladies argue that no account should be posting photos of stick-like girls in sports bras and spanks saying, “THIS IS PERFECTION.” While some photos are quite unrealistic looking, and have clearly entered fifteen rounds of Photoshop, it is important to point out that Nike, Under Armour, and Gatorde have been promoting these “hot bods” for years, and no one has made a fuss. Why now?
The issue is that many viewers fail to realize the difference between skinny and fit. Fitspiration photos on Instagram are packed with critical comments claiming that the photo is disgusting and creates a terrible image of what young girls should look up to. And while anorexia and other eating disorders are nothing to glamorize, I ultimately believe Fitspiration accounts do more good than harm. They are created to inspire, not to harm.
The goal of these accounts is to help girls and guys eat healthily and stay active. While some of the photos do look almost unattainable (how many girls have 8-packs?!), viewers must understand that these photos are the end result. Companies such as Nike and Under Armour post photos of top-notch athletes showing off their six-packs all the time, and it never seems to be an issue. This is entirely due to the name. Alex Morgan is supposed to have a toned body. Michael Phelps is supposed to have unbelievable abs. We expect athletes to show off their bodies because that is their job.
The insecurities flood Fitspiration accounts when pictures of No-Name females are posted, where their faces are cropped out and they’re holding up their shirts and flexing and amazing, glossy set of abs. While some viewers actually think she is too skinny, other simply comment in a fit of jealousy.
We are all known to hate those who have what we do not. It is natural, and when it comes to working out, it is hard to obtain and maintain dreamlike results. What girls need to realize is that every body adapts to physical activity differently. Some girls bulk up. Others slim down. To get angry that some other girl on the Internet is in incredible shape is ridiculous, and it fact—it’s embarrassing for America! We’re known as the morbidly obese country. And what do we do? We knock down those who have spent hours maintaining healthy eating habits and workout routines.
If pictures of other bodies are too annoying to look at, there are so many more options! Fitspitation accounts are packed with links to healthy recipes, quick ten-minute workouts, motivational quotes, and awesome running playlists. You’ll know you’re on the right kind of Fitspiration site if the witty quotes and eCards apply not only to your physical state, but your mental state as well.
In the end, your mental and spiritual fitness override everything else. Being fit does not just mean your body. Find quotes that encourage you to believe in yourself, and to look ahead. You should feel motivated to preserver not only in your workouts, but also in your schoolwork, relationships, and dreams.
If you’re going to look at photos of girls with perfect bodies, read personal biographies about how people lost the weight and how they motivated themselves. The goal is not to look like the body on Instagram, but to understand that we all have different body types.
Through healthy eating and consistent exercise, it is possible feel amazing. You do not need to see a filter selfie of some random chick you don’t know in order to understand that you always have room to become a better “YOU.” Just let Fitspiration be the handy guide to offer you advice and support. The rest is in your hands.
Featured image via bruce mars on Unsplash
Well Written!