Have you ever caught yourself admiring all those flawlessly chiselled bodies, practicing gravity-defying yoga positions or setting personal records in the gym while scrolling through TikTok or Instagram? Yeah, same here. These platforms are flooded with images and videos of bodies that appear perfect, sometimes paired with inspirational and lucrative statements. Although the abundance of fitness content available today might be motivating, it also carries the risk of damaging our self-esteem by creating unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy.

First off, can we just acknowledge how incredible it is that we live in a time where fitness knowledge and inspiration are just a few clicks and scrolls away? I've gained a lot of free knowledge from watching internet coaches and fitness influencers. They've provided me with recipes to try, exercise regimens to follow, and lots of inspiration for when I'm lacking motivation. The accessibility of fitness has empowered individuals to take control of their health and well-being, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among like-minded individuals.

On the flip side, there are also some negative drawbacks to social media fitness culture. Since social media platforms are heavily edited and only feature the most remarkable parts of users' journeys, they frequently present an inaccurate image of fitness. It's easy to get sucked into the comparison game, isn't it? But here's the thing, that's not real life. Behind every flexed bicep or yoga pose is a person with struggles, insecurities, and bad hair days- just like you and me. Photoshopped photos, skilfully chosen poses, and attractive angles can provide the impression of perfection, which can make people compare themselves negatively and diminish their self-esteem.

According to a recent study, nearly two-thirds of the 100 most well-known "fitfluencers", a term used to characterise any influencer who shares fitness-related content were found to lacking in sound advice or shared messages that might have a detrimental impact on people's mental and physical health, such as endorsing exercise as a means of losing weight (Curtis et al., 2023). In addition, a decrease in body satisfaction, mood, and self-perceived sexual attractiveness has been linked to exposure to these images that promote a particular physique (Prichard et al., 2020). Disordered eating has also been linked to it (Prichard et al., 2020).

So, how do we navigate these curated spaces and unrealistic pressures and expectations, to ensure that our self-esteems remain intact? How do we find the balance between inspiration and negative comparison? Though finding this balance may sound like a daunting task, it is important to note that it is doable. It is crucial that we, concentrate on our own development and acknowledge our individual experience. Exercise and fitness are not a one-size-fits-all activity, so keep in mind that what works for one person might not work for another. Creating that balance can start with first accepting who you are, making reasonable goals as well as acknowledging and celebrating your accomplishments, no matter how trivial and small they may seem. Sure, that girl with the six-pack might be killing it in the gym, but you know what? So are you, in your own way! Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out on your fitness journey, every step forward is worth celebrating.

Being authentic is another crucial tool for finding that balance and maintaining or increasing your self-esteem and self- confidence. It is important to cultivate authenticity both online and in real life. In a highly curated space, authenticity is like a breath of fresh air. Be real. Be honest. Share your struggles as well as your successes. Because let's face it, nobody's perfect, and pretending otherwise is quite exhausting. To take it a step further, be kind to yourself and allow yourself grace. Seriously, you're doing the best you can, and that's more than enough. Recognize that regardless of how you look or your fitness level, you are worthwhile and deserving of love and acceptance. Remember that self-love is the cornerstone of a strong sense of self-worth, and you should always treat yourself with the same respect and consideration that you would give a friend.

Overall, the next time you find yourself scrolling through your feed, feeling a little less-than after seeing someone's perfectly sculpted physique, take a deep breath. While social media can be a valuable tool for motivation and community, it's necessary to approach it with a critical eye and a healthy dose of self-awareness. Remember to embrace your uniqueness, celebrate your progress and know that you are more than enough, just as you are, flaws and all.

References

Curtis, R. G., Prichard, I., Gosse, G., Stankevicius, A., & Maher, C. A. (2023). Hashtag fitspiration: Credibility screening and content analysis of Instagram fitness accounts. BMC Public Health, 23(1), 1-7. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-15232-7? trk=public_post_comment-text

Prichard, I., Kavanagh, E., Mulgrew, K. E., Lim, M. S., & Tiggemann, M. (2020). The effect of Instagram# fitspiration images on young women’s mood, body image, and exercise behaviour. Body image, 33, 1-6

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