On a recent flight, someone had left a fashion magazine in the seat pocket. I picked it up and started thumbing through the pages. I saw waify perfection of women who looked like fierce thoroughbreds, prancing and posing. Their skin was flawless and everything about them was polished. I put the magazine down, and thought about how it made me feel. I’m proud of my muscles, but being a tomboy at heart; I’m far from polished and put together. The magazine made me feel a bit inadequate.
Back on the ground, I opened Instagram. My newsfeed seems full of “fitness influencers” or girls who know how to take the perfect selfie in the perfect light with the perfect filter. I recently learned that many “fitspos” regularly use Photoshop to enhance their assets. After scrolling through endless selfies, I put my phone away and reflected for a minute. I’m not as curvy as these girls, and still stink at taking a selfie. I began to feel a bit inadequate…again.
This had me really thinking. If I am a former 2x Ms. Figure Olympia Champ and a multiple time magazine cover girl, and I feel this way; my recreational gym-going friends must feel this way too! I think it is human nature to compare ourselves to others. But if we must compare, it should be to something that’s real! The heavily Photoshopped magazines and social media posts are mirages. Everyone has flaws and insecurities. The posts and pics we see simply blur them out.
What’s the solution? I don’t think it’s possible to eliminate social media, but I do think it’s a good idea to unfollow the accounts that make you feel bad about yourself. Develop a network of supportive friends. It’s amazing to be able to share highlights and blooper reels with people!
The best solution is to step away from the idea of comparing altogether. Think about what you’d like to accomplish and make a plan. You’ll spend less time agonizing over attaining something that isn’t real. This means you’ll have more time and energy to put into creating the life and physique that you want!
BetaTOR helps me create the physique I want. I'm able to get extra quality reps each time I train. I love the results!