I might have mentioned a few times that I love Pinterest. I love the motivational quotes, inspiration for new recipes, ideas for home decor or new outfits. The same holds true on Facebook too. I have also done a post touching on the topic of over motivation.
But, it seems that it's just inundating social media. What I don't love is the constant barrage of images of too-thin women, or unrealistic images of women appearing to be cut, rock solid day in and day out. Even worse is when they're coupled with quotes that could be motivating. They really could be. But they can also be shaming and even detrimental to our own motivation.
I see quotes like, "Do it every damn day." No. Absolutely not. Try for healthy eating, yes. But working out every single day is not ideal. As a fitness trainer, I do want my clients to feel motivated. At the same time, I don't want them to feel ashamed for missing a workout or for not looking like these images splashed all over the place.
What about those "motivational" posters saying something along the lines of when you're tired, do 10 more. Or not quitting when you're tired, but when you're done. Yes, we need to learn to push ourselves sometimes. But not every time. There's a time and place or a set workout just for that. But doing extra reps, adding extra weights, or running more miles can be very harmful.
So these images, these motivational quotes coupled with these images … They aren't realistic. Period. In terms of the images - Even figure comp ladies will tell you that they don't look that way 365 days out of the year. Shoot, from morning to night the body can change. How many of you have noticed hints of abs in the morning only for them to be gone by noon?
And in terms of the quotes - They can backfire completely. What if you can't run that extra mile or do that extra rep? And sometimes you don't need to.
What if you're working your ass off and you still don't see those abs? Oh those abs with a blurb about follow this quick 10 minute workout <--- even more annoying and a totally different topic. Are you a failure then? Not a chance. But if you're looking for inspiration and that's what you're seeing … well … Again, is it just me?
Another one I keep seeing is …
Um, yes to an extent. But don't make your life a constant competition with yourself. Talk about harmful. Is it just me? But do we want to look at ourselves in the mirror and think, "You're my competition?" Gosh, I sure don't!
So where and how do we find positive, healthy motivation and inspiration? How do we stop comparing ourselves to others but also not constantly compete with ourselves? Again, is it just me? Perhaps I over think these things.
I do sort of see the inspiration and motivation. But I think that some take it way too far. When will we start seeing realistic images of women with motivational quotes that aren't like a drill sergeant in your face?
I do sort of see the inspiration and motivation. But I think that some take it way too far. When will we start seeing realistic images of women with motivational quotes that aren't like a drill sergeant in your face?
Seriously, go to Pinterest and type in "Motivation." Then come back and let's talk through this.
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