Fitspos: Motivational goldmines or treacherous territory?

Whenever the gym feels like an incomprehensible undertaking, I go to one of the “fitspirations” or “fitspo” accounts I follow on Instagram to get a little pep in my step. These “fitspiration” accounts are fitness and health related Instagram accounts that are abounding with motivation, from enviable abs to authentic transformation stories that could get Peter Griffin out the door and running. These Instagram-fitness celebrities-who usually are women- have built followings in the millions, and, along the process, created social-media communities of women that empower and motivate one another. While some people view these “fitspo” accounts as healthy lifestyle inspiration, others argue that there is no one-size-fits all diet and fitness regimen, and these accounts create the delusional message that “if you do this, you’ll look like me.”

Scrolling through some of these “fitspo” accounts that are filled with pictures of slim, toned bodies holding colorful salads and vegan/gluten/raw free chocolate chip peanut butter vanilla chai smoothie bowls, it’s easy to see how the line between motivation and unhealthy fixation can get blurry. This introduces a controversial question: Are Instagram “fitspo” accounts motivational goldmines or dangerous modes of comparison?

My personal opinion on this matter is that Instagram does make it difficult to weed out real-life personal trainers and nutritionists who actually know what they're talking about from un-educated girls who promote certain lifestyles and swear that they work for everyone because they’ve worked for them personally. However, these “fitspo” accounts are not meant to manipulate their followers’ lives in a negative way. They’re meant to promote body positivity and body acceptance in women of all shapes and sizes. If a picture of a woman benching pressing twice her body weight encourages you to drop to the floor and do some sit-ups, then more power to you. Like any new concept in today’s modern society, excessive use can be dangerous and lead to destructive behavior, but taking things to the extreme is at the fault of the follower. “Fitspiration” Instagram accounts cannot be held responsible for all extenuating circumstances or possibilities. These accounts can be deflating and demeaning or they can be motivational treasure trove’s that inspire you to power through a workout, run faster, train harder, or find your Zen. If you keep in mind that you don’t have to live up to anybody’s expectations other than your own, you won’t have to worry about feeling depreciated. On the other hand, if you can’t suppress emotions of guilt and you can’t help but feel bad about yourself when scrolling through a “fitspo” account, the solution is simple.

Just hit unfollow.