Unrealistic expectations

Is there an unhealthy side to fitness? It can come about when we look at images that create unrealistic expectations. For example, how seriously do we take the images of physical perfection? One article describes how images of hyper-fitness can create those unrealistic expectations. The article argues such images work against the aspirational messages they communicate. One study cited described "women who viewed a set of Instagram fitness images reported lower levels of body satisfaction than women who viewed a set of Instagram travel images."

Such images are the result of extensive preparation and don't depict day-to-day appearance. According to the article, "'after'" images can encapsulate only a single moment — and are often augmented by ideal lighting, posture, clothing, filters, and flexing."

Another article describes how to prepare for a photo shoot, and the preparation can be extensive. It starts at least several days out (all this after much dedicated time in the gym), and the photo shoot itself includes getting photos taken while working out, standing around, and just plain being in the gym. The idea is to have a wide variety of photos magazines and other media can use. I suspect there's a similar routine for fitness videos as well.

The normal person probably doesn't have the time to do the kind of work that leads to looking like those models. In fact, do a search of action movies and how actors prepared physically for them.

That's a lot of time and effort. Instead of thinking about appearance, how about thinking about function?
  • Are you strong enough to pick up your grandchildren? To move furniture and appliances around the home?
  • Do you have the endurance to walk around the amusement park with your family? To enjoy your favorite activities?
  • Are you able to keep pursuing your calling well into your golden years?

As one design philosophy states, "Form follows function." If we stop thinking about appearance and more about being able to stay well over the course of our lives, appearance will follow.