There’s no dearth of gorgeous young things on Instagram. And with their perfect abs, toned arms, and enviable legs, it’s easy to see why millions regard them as ‘fitness inspirations’, or #fitspos. This is all well and good, but more often than not, it can be quite demoralizing to see them looking flawless and sweat-free after a workout, while the rest of us just look like death.
Which is why personal trainer and fitness blogger Sophie Kay has set out to debunk the myths behind the fitness world that often result in unrealistic and frustrating expectations.
She starts with the ubiquitous selfie. “Even I have been guilty of only posting the most flattering selfies but don’t trust what you see,” she writes.
“All I did in the 3 minutes between the two photos was to turn off the overhead light, put on underwear that fit better, twist my body slightly to the side to show off my best angle, flex and, of course, add a filter. So don’t pay much attention to those ‘before and after’ shots!”
She also points out that you don’t need a six-pack to be fit and healthy. However, she does encourage a bit of definition!
“Having a six-pack just means that your body fat percentage is low enough to be able to see your abs. Also, the shape of your abs is totally dependent on your genetics, some people can get a six-pack, some can’t. For the majority of people the lifestyle you have to live to achieve and maintain them would stop them living a normal life free from counting every single calorie. Also, ladies, having such a low body fat percentage might stop your periods. Surely that can’t be good for you.”
Also, personal trainers and fitness bloggers are not above indulgence. “Indulge when you want to but get to know your body and understand what it wants and when,” she writes.
“I love to eat anything and everything. Pizza is probably my favourite food and although I don’t really have a sweet tooth — I can eat sweet n’ salt popcorn or ice cream for days.”
Being able to run fast is also not a requisite.
“If you run you are a runner, if you lift you are a lifter, if you spin you are a spinner, it doesn’t matter how fast, how heavy or how much you do it. Just get out there and give it a go, you’ll amaze yourself.”
And, of course, she reminds us about something that we already know — exercise is not easy. Nor is it meant to be.
“Exercise is not easy. And if it is easy then you’re not pushing yourself. And if you’re not pushing yourself then you won’t make any progress and reach your goals.”
Now, this girl is a real #fitspo.
