Saturday, July 7, 2018

What is with the 1/2 naked gym selfies?





I hate the word 'selfie'. What does that mean anyway? It really bothers me that fitspo (a.k.a. fitness inspiration) is all about half-naked women with photoshopped abs & glutes and gals and guys basically wearing nothing at the gym.  Does anyone think these pics are going to motivate someone enough to clean up their diet and get to the gym or that fitness class?  Probably not.
Wellness pictures like the previously mentioned are all over Instagram. It's disturbing. As a wellness professional, there's nothing more Unprofessional than posting fit pics that look like soft core porn under the appearance of motivation. You know, the photos of young ladies lifting up their shirts in the locker rooms to flaunt their abs, or posturing for the camera with extreme lordotic lumbar stance keeping in mind the end goal to complement their rear. I take my job seriously and don't feel the need to validate my knowledge with a picture of me at the gym lifting my shirt. My students know I work out, they are not interested in seeing a booty shot. Pictures like the these are accomplishing more damage than good by making unreasonable standards. Oh, and just so you know those abs and glutes shots are so digitally enhanced, they're past practical for anybody!

No two bodies are the same. We are all built differently. Why are we taking the pursuit of health and self love and turning it into a 'who is hotter' competition? I think posting pictures of myself looking like a porn star makes me look super unprofessional. Do individuals that post these pics believe that potential clients will get in touch with them due to what they look like? Possibly on an extremely uncommon event, yet I'd contend that most of the time, these photos are driving individuals off and turning the viewer off.  As an fitness professional, that is the exact opposite thing I need. I want be viewed as an expert who helps other people on their wellness ventures. Pictures of me in a sports bra and short shorts don't encourage anybody.
Rather than setting the standard with a 6-pack and horribly low muscle versus fat ratio, we ought to center around how our bodies feel and what they can do. Spotlight on creating legitimate development in our bodies. Focus on building muscle and extending flexibility in order to enhance individual fulfillment (i.e. decreased lower back torment, improved posture, diminished muscle versus fat, which mitigates the weight set on the knees and lower legs.) The once-over goes on. Rather than praising the sexed-up super-fit, we should focus on well being. Spotlight on getting your body where it should be with a specific end goal to carry on with your most ideal life.
What motivates you? Do these sexed up pics do the trick for you? 
In Health,

1 comment:

  1. I absolutely love this post! Yes, we're all on our individual fitness journey and I do believe we should be proud of the progress we've made. But with the focus heavily on abs and butts we are losing focus on what's really important; health and wellbeing.

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