Whether we'd like to believe it or not, fitness is all over the media. What we see on social media – especially if we see one specific thing over and over again, is what we start to believe “fitness is”. However we must remember that fitness is so much more than that.
Who we follow and what we see regularly our online feed is such a small part of a much larger community. Fitness encompasses a broad range of interests, which can include runners, power lifters, weight lifters, general fitness, Pilates, calisthenics and more. So when you start to wonder why what is being valued online may not match your personal beliefs, remember that fitness is a multifaceted industry NOT just the “fitspo” you can never live up to or find inspiration from. Not only does media only portray one specific area of exercise, it also does not represent the larger population in the industry. Often these famous fitspo accounts on Instagram are thin, lean, rich, white people – which in no way represent the fitness community as a whole.
To explain, when looking at fitness on social media you are only looking at it through one lens, and if you only see one specific thing over and over again you begin to value it for that one way you see it. When you value fitness that one specific way, you begin to shape and mold your own beliefs around it. Soon this microscopic view of the industry becomes the only thing you see and interoperate.
If social media’s unrealistic representation of fitness often leaves you feeling false or fake, recognize that when you are forced to value something you don’t believe, there is little to no truth or passion in what your doing. You will never get validation or the satisfaction when you aren’t doing what you love or being yourself.
So be conscious on the way you are gazing in. Remember there are internal changes happening behind the seams, and instead of trying to live up to unrealistic expectations, use fitness as a way to personally grow, learn about yourself and push your body to the limits. And lastly find a community that does value the same things as YOU.
