Although I post in moderation about my new healthy lifestyle, I have to say I find inspiration, interest, and a whole lot of recipes and tips from what I guess you would consider my fellow "#FitFam" - online.
I read a little post.... titled "#FitFam: 11 Reasons Why The Fitness Culture On Social Media Needs To Be Stopped." So amused was I at the pointed controversy, designed purely to stimulate response, that tonight I've hung up my lycra neon pants, and taken a brief break from lifting weights... (tongue firmly in cheek and as unashamedly opinionated as my FitFam hating counterpart) - to reiterate the comments of said blog (full credit for the text in green goes to that author!) write you a brilliant little list of responses (while chanting 'Long Live the FitFam') and why the heart attack inducing, brain matter reducing, 'look at how drunk I was last night' movement... is worse.
1. They make completely average people think they are famous
"Due to their cult-like following and rampant popularity over social media, the thousands of #FitFam members create celebrities out of everyday people who become the leaders of the movement.
These people most likely have naturally fit bodies, but because of their obsessive exercise and diet habits, have become gurus of “fit” and therefore have become “famous” on social media."
These people most likely have naturally fit bodies, but because of their obsessive exercise and diet habits, have become gurus of “fit” and therefore have become “famous” on social media."
We promote fame and fortune for Joe Bloggs who got fit, or Aunt Sally who's healthy cooking is unreal. We do this because we believe that this actually uses some intelligence, is a move to share best practice and give a helping hand - plus these people achieve results through dedication...and at its worst - it harms no-one! A personal favourite is Terry Wahls, a lady that has developed a healthy way of life and consequently now walks again having been wheelchair bound. She shares that knowledge and helps thousands and thousands of people. You're right... she has no right to be a hero!!
So whats better? Fame based on reality TV, such as booze Britan or worse still... a Fad. 'Neknominate' or 'planking', my friend, is mindless social media based fame.... that has actually resulted in death...
2. They make you feel bad for eating normal food
"They like to guilt you into feeling that your grilled cheese sandwich is no less than blasphemy. How could you knowingly consume anything but talapia, string beans and sweet potato and live with yourself?
While enjoying your bloody mary, eggs benedict and coffee with cream at brunch, a quick scroll through your Instagram and you now feel like the biggest heffer in Farmville."
As idiotic as saying that if I told you I was ill, I'd expect you to feel guilty that you're not, or you should feel awful if your single and I post a picture of me and my boyfriend. You'r own thoughts or conscience my dear... are just that... your own.
3. They think this is sexy:
"Gross."
A confident woman promoting strength and health as opposed to bulimia and anorexia? Yes. Yes we do. Oh by the way... it's not just this figure that is sexy, we come in all shapes and sizes. It's about striving to be healthy. "Gross"? Wow... Would you be so outspoken about a photo of a fat chic?
4. They only know how to express themselves in meme form
"The constant barrage of memes that come from these people’s accounts is shocking and unreal.
Somewhere out there, members who are probably very bored or hungry have made a meme for nearly every gym or dieting scenario, most of them targeting those outside of the “movement.”
Nothing like waking up, getting ready for work and seeing a quick meme-reminder from #FitFam saying: WAKE UP! GO TO THE GYM! #NO #EXCUSES… But, I have a job…"
Yes we love a meme. By the way they exist for everything, from Chuck Norris to Miley Cyrus. Look it up. Or scrap that and you could have just used your imagination for an intelligent point to start with. Hungry?? You just demonstrated your naivety right there, and believe me... I have a job!
5. They complain about their self-imposed lifestyle (e.g. “meal-prepping”)
“Sunday nights getting my meal prep in #ugh #process #results #worthit”"Listen, if you want to spend the better part of your Sunday organizing tasteless food into Tupperware, go for it, but don’t then complain to the virtual world about it.
When I scroll through my Instagram feed on a Sunday, I only want to see pictures of brunch, sauce cooking in a pot (Italians, what up!), or the documented drunken escapades from everyone’s night prior."
This is far far worse than complaining about your self imposed hangover. You're right. Let's get some binge drinking action and moan about the puke in the bathroom you need to clean. Or how you can't remember the night before... because that's a better image to portray to the world!
6. They upload photos and videos of workouts that anyone can do
"They upload pictures of squats and bicep curls as if they are the stars of their very own workout videos. Guess what, people? We can all do that, too, but we don’t creepily have someone sit on the bench and film us while we do it."
Bit of a sweeping statement really, but we'll go with it. For some people it is because they are proud, and maybe they're not a smart arse, and have not always been able to do that. But definitely, let's send the message that this is wrong... just because you display your achievements in a different way, and you say so.
We'll video our mate throwing up instead.
7. They suddenly believe they are certified nutritionists
"They love to broadcast over social media how many antioxidants are in a cup of blueberries or how many kilocalories are in your french fries, throwing in as much medical jargon as they can muster."
One key principle tends do go hand in hand with the #FitFam. Always be learning... no we aren't nutritionists, but we've done our homework and learned from some of the best. We want to share that and generate discussion with like minded people?
Shit you're right. That's gonna ruin the world.
8. They “follow” and “like” people and posts as if they belong to some sort of cult… which they do
"If you want to gain followers easily, just hashtag #FitFam or a variation under your picture and you will get at least one or two new followers (usually with names like @fitness_girl01 or bros_wh0lift).
The only thing these people love more than talking about their healthy lifestyle is cheering on their fellow cult members. I guess you have to admire their camaraderie."
Didn't you use #FitFam in your title? ?? Isn't that for cheap thrills and gaining some easy reads???
9) Neon.
"The worst thing to happen to neon since EDM"
Ill tell you whats worse. Out of shape people in neon... Let's all wear black.
10. Their food makes us sad
There is nothing — I repeat, NOTHING — happy about the above."
Another intellectually elite comment. I feel sad every time I see my chocolate protein cake too, and know it's serving a purpose. I do.
11. They date each other, procreate and form tribes of weight lifting spawn
"The worst part about the #FitFam is that it grows daily and breeds, just like a real, working cult. Its members have found love in a hopeless place (somewhere between the squatting bench and the weight rack), and if history repeats itself, we may find ourselves facing a race of really scary, strong people in 15 to 20 years."
I think a jager fuelled world would be a much better place. Forget fit and strong. In fact no... can I just say that that is the most stupid comment you have made so far, and there are some belters already!! Go you!
"...But I guess it's better than a population of obese people, which is also probably in our immediate future. Why can't we all just be normal and healthy? This article has made me hungry. Time for a snack. #FoodProblems"
You ask why can't we all be normal? Define normal? Like you?
So having said all of that, it's time to swill a protein shake, take a selfie while I do, and flex my quads for a progress pic. Or I may just curl up in a ball and feel bad about not being your definition of normal. Having sampled each end of the spectrum of 'health' in my life... I think I'll stick with my new approach.
http://elitedaily.com/life/culture/reasons-why-the-fitness-culture-on-social-media-needs-to-be-stopped/
