You know what, I can smell (smell here was intentional) an outrageous fitness claim when I see one, Yes!! I can
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Ah Yes!!!, The fitness influencers. The bane of our social media feeds. Yes, they are the ones who make us feel guilty for eating that donut and simultaneously make us feel like we could run a marathon after a 5-minute ab workout (possible, but brother !!!). I saw ones who claimed that drinking celery juice can cure cancer and that their patented, 8-week program is the secret to getting a body like Beyonce's (young lady, from research, you will need more than 8 weeks, don't be deceived, the world is not a bed of roses and sweet-scented perfumes). But let's be honest here, we all know that the only secret to getting a body like Beyonce's is being Beyonce, frankly, that is the only explanation, it's not rocket science. Anyways why look like Beyonce? When you could rock the best body which is your body... all you need is discipline.
Moving on!!
These fitness influencers seem to live in a world where it seems like nothing else matters, after the body, its what? the body again dear (disclaimer: yeah some are legit, not all of them give outrageous claims and fake almost impossible behaviors, some actually do these things, but a higher percentage dont, and this is the issue).
Hear this, 👇
Image by Md. Rabiul islam from Pixabay
They flaunt their six-pack abs and toned arms while holding a protein shake, which they claim is the key to a successful workout routine. But let's not forget that this protein shake is just one small part of their endorsement deal with a supplement company (Does it make sense now or I should continue?).
I think I would continue as I for one am enjoying writing this
Read on 👇
Let's talk about their workout routines, shall we?
You shoud notice they're always promoting the latest and greatest workout plan that promises to have you looking like a Greek god in just 4 weeks (Hercules!!! 💪). But when you actually read the workout, it's just a bunch of squats and lunges that you could have found for free on Pinterest (at this point you feel like what?). And don't even get me started on their "motivational" captions. "No pain, no gain" is great and all, but ladies and gentlemen of the jury, your body doesn't need to be in excruciating pain for you to see results, that I'm pretty sure of.
They (again, not all of them before someone bites my head off) tell us that if we follow their plan, we'll look like them in no time. But the truth is, genetics plays a huge role in how our bodies look (if you don't know this, congrats 🤝 you now do). Not everyone can have a six-pack or a perfectly toned booty, no matter how many squats they do, yes and this is evidence-based. And don't even get me started on the ridiculous diets they promote. Sorry, but I have a mind of my own, just because someone on Instagram told me to do something, doesn't mean I would (this is the point where I say Duh!!! but let's not go overboard).
OOOOK!!! let's give credit where credit is due. These fitness influencers do have a talent for making us feel guilty about not working out that they get an A+ at. They make us feel like we're not doing enough and that we should always be striving for more. But frankly, sometimes, we just need to sit on the couch and take a break, watch some Netflix. And that's is not always okay, but sometimes it is, you are not made of wood.
Now a little analysis of their outfits. I mean, who wears a full face of makeup to the gym? c'mon, and don't even get me started on those matching sports bras and leggings. How do they even move in those things?
But I have to admit, I do envy their ability to take a perfectly posed gym selfie. How do they manage to look so flawless while covered in sweat, you thinking what I am thinking? I have seen ladies workout, most always end up drowned in sweat with mascara running down their face and yet a perfect picture was taken, it can only be the fitness influencers.
Yes the workout videos? I swear, they're like a never-ending infomercial. "Act now and you too can have abs of steel!" But wait, there's more! If you call within the next 10 minutes, they'll throw in a free set of resistance bands! (Wow!!! just Wow!!!, sounds more like a sales pitch than a workout video)
At the end of the day, I have to give credit to these fitness influencers for trying to motivate us. Even if their methods are a little bit ridiculous, they're still encouraging us to be healthy and active. And who knows, maybe one day I'll be brave enough to try one of their crazy workout routines. But for now, I'll stick to my old faithful routine of brisk walking, jogging and using a stationry bike.
The real secret to getting fit is finding a workout that you enjoy and sticking to it.
Finally it true that fitness influencers may be a little over the top, but they're still entertaining to watch. And who knows, maybe one day I'll be the one posting gym selfies in a matching outfit. But until then, I'll just sit back and enjoy the show.
Thanks for reading Sayonara 🖐
References/Resources
https://www.acsm.org/education-resources/journals/health-fitness-journal
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-exercise-science-and-fitness
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1424733/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7181