Do you use Instagram as fitness motivation? Or are all the pictures of fitness models with perfect physiques discouraging? I think it’s a little of both. You definitely need to be selective with the accounts you follow.
I love being inspired by other people’s journeys to health and wellness. Instagram is different than other kinds of social media, and people seem more willing to share their daily routines, healthy food, and progress pictures. Some people make fun of this, but I love it. It helps me learn a lot. Any time you’re getting started on a new journey yourself, it’s nice to follow along with those who are a little further along on the path.
That being said, I also believe there’s a BIG downside to using Instagram for fitness motivation. Personally, I don’t find pictures of fitness models, scantily dressed and photographed to show off their “assets,” inspiring. In fact, I feel like I have to be careful opening my Instagram feed when my children are around because some of the content is questionable and are images I don’t want them exposed to. I don’t follow these types of accounts, but shout outs are popular in the “fitspiration” community on Instagram, so sometimes they show up in my feed anyway.
The types of accounts I prefer to follow are men and women who have worked long and hard to make a change in their health and fitness level. Sometimes this results in dramatic weight loss and changes in their body composition. Other times, it’s evident as you see their attitude and belief in themselves grow through their hard work. These are the transformations that inspire me.
If you aren’t already using Instagram for fitspiration, you should check it out. Here are a few of my favorite Instagram acounts:
@fighting4fit_jessica
@erin_morgan
@estellearcher
@getfitjessb
@fitmencook
I don’t really have room to post pics of all of them, so here are a few more of my favorites:
