I actually really like a lot of the fitness tumblrs I’ve come across, but I can’t be the only one who hates fitspo.

The fact that a majority of the women pictured in these “inspirational” photos are headless is bad enough, but add to that the often obsessive quotes like “nothing looks as good as healthy feels” or “I don’t stop when I’m tired, I stop when I’m done” kind of sound…well…incredibly unhealthy to me! And driven by many of the same motivations behind Eating Disorders!

When I look at these images, I don’t feel motivated, I feel guilty! Or at least I feel as though that’s what I’m made to feel, as though I’m somehow “letting someone down” for my occasionally HUMAN behaviour (like not running for 4 hours every single day or having a fucking cupcake every now and then). I honestly find these images insulting and ridiculous. 

And further more, what do we know about these headless ladies? Although it’s very likely that the women pictured in these photos worked their fucking asses off to get such muscular forms, we certainly cannot be assured of this fact. She is to be worshipped for everything she is and everything we’re not, and that’s all we know. 

What I find inspirational are stories. My boyfriends sister in law went from slinky lay about to marathon runner in a year. That’s a year spent dedicated to pushing her own personal limits, but still really enjoying herself while doing so, the experience of which has been totally positive and made her a stronger, more ambitious person. If you want to show me a picture like the one above, I’d appreciate if it was accompanied by some kind of background story on the individual being viewed. How did she get this body? What struggles did she face along the way? (as I’m sure there were many) 

I hate the idea of this perfect fitness goddess, as if it ISN’T hard for all of us. We’re all human. We all have to eat and breathe and love and fall down every now and then. That body in the photo? She is not just a body. She is someone’s daughter, someone’s lover, maybe someone’s sister. And both you and her deserve more than this.

You know what? This is fucking adorable. I love yoga. I should definitely go to yoga tomorrow morning.

(via run-faster-eat-better)