So many of us grapple with our weight, and let’s be honest—those of us who struggle with self-discipline are often on the lookout for that one magic solution that will truly ignite our motivation and guide us toward a healthier weight and a happier life. Achieving this isn’t a walk in the park, no matter how much we desire it.
If you’ve been scouring the internet for advice and motivation, you’ve probably stumbled upon the term “fitspiration” on platforms like Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest. Typically, this hashtag is paired with pictures of impeccably fit individuals mid-exercise, designed to inspire you to push harder because, look! They’re doing it, and they’re amazing!
However, the harsh reality is that this approach might be more detrimental than beneficial. Fitness coach and author Mark Thompson argues that fitspiration often offers the wrong kind of motivation for sustainable weight loss and fitness. He distinguishes between two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation comes from a desire to improve oneself, be healthier, or enhance skills in activities you already enjoy, like running or tennis. In contrast, extrinsic motivation revolves around specific goals, often tied to achieving an ideal body image seen in others.
This type of motivation can lead to feelings of inadequacy, causing exercise to feel like a chore—something you must endure to meet societal standards. It can create a cycle of guilt and punishment. Think of old-school crash diets, drastic carb elimination, or the pressure to shed 10 pounds before an event where you fear judgment; these all stem from extrinsic motivation. While they may yield quick results, they rarely produce lasting change and can even backfire.
I find myself in a similar boat, caught in a cycle of wishing I were thinner while treating late-night snacks as a comfort mechanism. Sure, I know indulging in peanut butter at midnight isn’t the best idea, but sometimes, I convince myself it’s just what I need to cope with the day’s frustrations. I’ve had stints where I’m determined to exercise daily for three weeks, only to abandon it because I dread the process and don’t enjoy the time commitment.
But I haven’t always felt this way. Years ago, I shifted my focus from how I looked to how I felt about my health. As an older mom with young children, I started to consider the long-term consequences of my lifestyle. I grew up with young parents and grandparents, and while I can’t replicate that for my kids, I want to give them the best of me. This realization became my intrinsic motivation, and it’s been a game-changer.
Exercise isn’t my favorite, nor do I enjoy gyms, but I discovered my way into fitness through yoga and engaging games like Wii Fit Plus. I explored various activities—skateboarding, obstacle courses, biking, hula hooping, and boxing—anything that made me feel like I was playing rather than exercising. Joining Weight Watchers allowed me to enjoy regular food while focusing on healthier choices. As an avid baker, I started experimenting with healthy recipes, even launching a blog to catalog my culinary creations.
I dropped 40 pounds and felt fantastic. However, life threw challenges my way that shifted my focus from health to comfort. Now, I’m gradually regaining that motivation by reminding myself that exercise should be about enjoyment, not just aesthetics.
So, strive for health and fitness, but don’t beat yourself up over it. Don’t let fitspiration morph you into someone who loathes their body. Feeling and looking healthy is rewarding, but an obsession with a perfect physique won’t necessarily lead you there.
As Mark Thompson succinctly puts it, “Don’t get sucked into the negativity and self-doubt that certain aspects of the fitness industry promote—fitspiration, I’m looking at you. Embrace fitness as a tool to enhance your life, not something that dominates it.”
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Summary
Fitspiration may seem motivating, but it often promotes unhealthy, extrinsic motivations that can lead to guilt and self-loathing. Instead, focusing on intrinsic motivations and finding joy in activities can lead to sustainable health and fitness. Embrace fitness as a positive aspect of life rather than a source of stress.
Keyphrase: Fitspiration and weight loss
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