The "Fitness" Body

Can we just call BS on the "fitness body" please. I just can't anymore.

This weekend I will be participating in the NEDA (National Eating Disorder Awareness) Walk at the Mall Of America in Bloomington, MN with some amazing people. As inspiring as the event is, it makes me sad to see all the individuals that struggle with body image and those of us in fitness are a huge part of that struggle.  

Let's be honest here. When you search #fitness, #health, #workout, even #workoutmotivation. Does what you see motivate you? Or are they images of unrealistic bodies actually shaming us? After talking with some of my classes most of these gym selfies just seem ridiculous. I'm not talk transformation shots. Those can be incredibly motivating if the individual is still healthy. But that's just it! How many of these images are actually healthy? What looks healthy on one person can be sick for another. So can we just call BS and stop "liking" all the sick healthy images? 

Here's what I'm asking us to do. Before liking that photo on whatever social media platform, take a look at the majority of the content of the individual or group. Does it reflect a healthy, balanced lifestyle? Or is it bikini selfies? Yeah I just outed a large portion of the "fitness professionals." Sorry guys but we have to step up. Bikini selfies posed just perfectly in just the right lighting does not a healthy lifestyle make. Am I right?

Fitness agencies and professionals: stop feeding into the image. We see ALL body types and images at the gym. Stop supporting ONLY the people that look the way YOU want them to look. Stop feeding into the lie that tall, thin or tall, ripped individuals are the only way healthy looks. I’m just saying, we all know who LOOKS like they belong there but can we maybe support the people that need the support to be there.

The gym is about becoming the best you. Stop making society one image. We’re all different and our healthy looks different on each of us. Stop following the individual that sets unrealistic expectations for society and follow the one that encourages and inspires. Or maybe follow both of you can but the superheroes are the ones doing the good even when we don’t see. They are the ones doing it because it’s the right thing to do, not because they get likes or follows for it. Be healthy: mind, body, soul because that’s the best way to live and that’s what these individuals this weekend are trying to do disputes the messed up view the majority of society has. I’m proud to stand with real people.

Join real people to support more real people this weekend for a healthy future for everyone.


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