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,

Jessica Bailey

Who should I listen to?

How annoying is it to hear conflicting fitness and diet "advice?" Who should you listen to? There is just so much information out there that it can be hard to choose what and who to listen to.  

Know that everything you see on social media isn't always true. There are A LOT of false claims from companies out there. Most of them are "click bait."

Let's take Kim Kardashian's Instagram for example, she has millions of followers but her posts aren't always an accurate picture of her life. She has had dodgy sponsored posts cluttering her feed at times. It doesn't mean she stands behind these companies or that she thinks you should spend your money on the products she posts.

I have good news about this. Spotting sponsored posts on social media is super easy. Any posts that aren’t a natural fit for the normal style of the source are likely to be sponsored, meaning they’re not based on fact or genuine personal experience so probably aren’t worth noting.

Figuring out what to do when it comes to your fitness is confusing. Should I be kinder to my joints by running on the grass or the pavement? Am I supposed to be working out for 20 minutes or an hour? Should I workout barefoot or in sneakers? Does what I wear really matter?

To find the answers to these questions most people use Google. Since there is so much content out there and so many opinions you should fact-check before deciding to follow someone's advice. Research is key to not falling for false promises and empty words. Surveys, quality newspaper articles and academic reports are places you should go to do your fact checking. Instead of reading someone else’s take, form your own opinion.

It is easy to get healthy thanks to the internet but there are so many people giving their advice and if you listen to them all it could set you back, so remember to look for factual guidance.