In a world where social media pretty rules and laziness is a daily struggle, it’s difficult to find the motivation to get out of bed, let alone exercise. Many of us turn to following “inspirational” social channels to help give us the boost we need to get moving.
But no matter how many images of healthy smoothies, perfect sunrises after morning runs, or colorful salads we see, this question remains: how truly inspiring can these photos be in a world also taken over by Photoshop? An article from Shape addresses the reality of “Fitspiration” and images that are meant to boost your confidence but can actually be too-good-to-be-true.
From your favorite celebrities to personal trainers, everyone is able to portray themselves the way they want to be seen using social media. Someone who doesn’t actually dedicate themselves to going to the gym a certain amount a week can post an Instagram at the gym and make it seem that way. So how can we weed through what’s true and what’s not? With the insane amount of body shaming on the internet today, it may not matter how many “inspiring” accounts you follow.
There have been a number of instances where celebrities or other famous social media stars have been accused of Photoshopping or editing their images—Kim Kardashian and Sarah Stage to name a few. But don’t let those dictate your motivation to get those sweat sessions in!
At the risk of us sounding extremely cliché, you should love your body. And if you see one of your friends or even a celebrity documenting their fitness goals, don’t hate on them—applaud their achievements! Let their accomplishments push you to work harder to reach your goals.
Barbara Baez, our Director of Digital Marketing, is a great example of “Fitspiration” on Instagram. Whether she’s tracking her body’s progress or snapping pictures of her daily salads, this lady will definitely inspire you to get your butt to the gym (without Photoshop! ;-))
What are your favorite social media accounts to follow for “Fitspiration?” Share yours with us on Facebook and Twitter:@LucilleRoberts