Beware: This May Be Damaging to Your Health

Fitspiration or Soul Crushing?

Fitspiration, or Fitspo for short, is a term used to describe something that helps inspire people to healthy eating and exercise. Fitspo posts are commonly recipes, inspirational stories, exercise plans or photos of fit men or women for the purpose of motivating like minded people.

Glamour magazine editors asked three women, myself included, to comment on the topic for an article in their August issue titled,“Health Controversy: Is “Fitspo” Bad for You?”

I personally don’t think the concept of Fitspo is bad when you’re trying to develop the drive to get active and healthy.  In fact, those of you who have my programs know I believe motivation means having the desire and willingness to do something.  I also believe that like muscles, our motivation needs strengthening to stay strong.  In other words, if you work at being motivated you will become more motivated!

For some, myself included, inspiration can be found in the form of images and “Fitspo” is a tool for finding them. Type the word #Fitspo (hashtag) into twitter, pinterest, blogs or instagram and instantly you will see quotes, slogans and images of active, strong and fit women that promote proper exercise and diet.

Here are some examples from my Inspiration Board on Pinterest.

I believe the idea of Fitspo was designed with good intentions and with the goal of inspiring women to achieve fitness and health, through exercise and healthy eating.

Here is a link to the online version of the Glamour magazine article, Health Controversy: Is “Fitspo” Bad for You? (which is a bit shorter then the printed version.)

What do you think about “Fitspo”…is it soul crushing or fitspirational? Sound off in the comments below!