Ever since I started my fitness journey, I have followed your typical "fitspiration" accounts on social media. I wanted to look exactly like them, and their transformation Tuesday posts validated that if I kept working hard, I would. I have even been in the checkout process of buying their guaranteed fit plans. Something always stopped me from spending that (ridiculous) $200 a month.
Not. Worth. It.
After a while, I realized that these fitness models may be fit, but might not be healthy. There are multiple types of fitness accounts: bodybuilding pros, typical personal trainers that will get you the nicest set of glutes, the crazy transformation model, and people who just love fitness.
There are three parts of the fitness industry that have enraged me more than anything:
Supplement Companies
If I have to see "Use my code 'MEGFIT' for 15% off" one more time, I am going to deactivate my Instagram account. That's dramatic and probably not true, but it really does drive me insane. Here's why:
1. You don't know if that person being sponsored actually uses those products.
2. They are getting paid to sell this stuff to you.
3. The supplements they are selling are NOT what makes them fit.
4. You don't know the quality of it.
5. It's most likely a scam.
Everybody has their own opinions on supplements, and I support that! I'll even throw back some pre-workout on a really unmotivated day. But the trick about supplements is they are not regulated by the FDA. So, the creators of supplements can write "propriety blend" on their ingredient list, and you will have no idea how much of those funky chemicals you are swigging down. Do your research and be careful before you invest in a whole stack of supplements.
Big Butts
This has been the real kicker lately. With the Kardashian shape trending and thong one-piece bikinis to accompany it, there are a lot of butts on Instagram. Some may be real, some may be fake, and some may be pumped with muscle enhancers or steroids (yes, fitness models use steroids and no, they don't look like men. More on that in a future article.) I've been pretty discouraged from time to time scrolling through my news feed seeing all these perfect glutes and wondering why after three years of consistent lifting I don't have a Katy Hearn Fit booty. Everyone is built differently. Genetics play a huge role in how your muscles grow. Don't let their cheeks discourage you. You will never know the truth about how they got there, whether they say they are natural or not.
Your butt is perfect, and you don't have to flaunt it on Instagram to believe that.
Cosmetics
The last part I would like to touch on is cosmetics, specifically, enhancements. If you haven't noticed already, the majority (not all, but most) of fitness models have a lot of enhancements. Breast augmentations, lip injections, and botox are a few popular enhancements among the fitness industry. I am not against any of these, and I believe everyone is entitled to their own choices for their bodies. But you do NOT have to have these things to be fit.
I have strived to make my social media influential in the fitness industry. There was I time I was CONVINCED I need to have bigger lips, whiter teeth, eyelash extensions, hair extensions, a year-round tan, and a consistent contoured face with the perfect amount of highlighter to be successful in the fitness industry.
But wait...
Those things have NOTHING to do with fitness! So no, I won't get these things done as a fitness enthusiast. I want to be relatable and real, and I do not want people to feel like they have to change their appearance to be fit.
Fitness is just one part of a healthy lifestyle. My overall well-being is more important than fake boobs and cellulite free butts.
There are a few great Instagram accounts that have really influenced the heart behind this article. Ashley Conrad, Amber Dodzweit, and Alexia Clark are three fitness enthusiasts that are real, and are all about fitness, and making the fitness industry fit again. These accounts have truly inspired me on my fitness journey, giving practical workouts, evidence-based nutrition advice, and appropriate content. They are fighting the parts of the industry that are far from healthy.
Everyone is entitled to their own inspiration, but be careful who you look up to on social media. Don't let them scam you, make you believe your body isn't good enough, or make you feel insecure. Be your own motivation, and use your personal progress to keep you inspired!
