After seeing one too many of 'those' #fitspo Instagram photos, Personal Trainer Sophie Kay took to her blog to vent - and reveal that she knows the truth behind them, too
Whether you love #fitspo or hate #fitspo, there's no denying that there's a certain kind of image it puts out there of what 'healthy' is supposed to look like. It's generally slender and sixpacked, can probably contort its body into a one-armed handstand (while using the other to sip on a green smoothie), and there isn't a sweaty red face in sight.
Which is why personal trainer Sophie Kay has had enough - and used a blog post last week to highlight what fitness really means - and how easy it is to misrepresent your body image online too.
'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,' she says of her faked photo, which has now gone viral. 'So don't pay much attention to those 'before and after' shots!'
Sophie also took the time to highlight on her blog that a lot of other fitness myths are, well, just that: myths. Yep, you don't actually have to live off cabbage soup and kale juice if you want to get in shape. You just have to (wait for it) eat everything in moderation. And break out a sweat whenever you can.
'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. It's all about living a balanced lifestyle. Indulge when you want to but get to know your body and understand what it wants and when.'
And she takes the time to remind us all that actually, being fit isn't about looking 'good'. It's about pushing your body to its limit. And wearing silly sports bras.
'The world of perfect abs, long legs and sweat-free faces on Instagram portrays an image of fitness that is fun, easy and full of happiness. It can be all of these things but it can also be tiring, tough, demoralising and grump-inducing when you’re getting up and it’s still dark outside. Plus, no one actually looks perfect if they’re working out properly!'
"The real side of fitness is early mornings, freezing hands and ears in winter, ridiculous sports bra tans in summer, stinging sweat in your eyes, not bothering to wash your hair because you're only going to get sweaty again tomorrow, permanent hand callouses, blistered feet and stiff muscles. But all of this adds up to feeling alive, proud and on top of the world."
