Hey there! Let’s chat about something that many of us deal with: the struggle to get in shape. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been searching for that magical spark to ignite your motivation and help you achieve a healthier lifestyle. Spoiler alert: it’s not as easy as it seems.
You’ve likely stumbled upon the term “fitspiration” while scrolling through social media. You know, those posts with perfectly sculpted bodies mid-workout, designed to inspire you to push yourself harder. But here’s the kicker—it might not be working out for you. Fitness expert and writer, Jenna Marks, points out that this kind of motivation can actually do more harm than good.
Understanding Motivation
There are two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation comes from a genuine desire to improve your health or enjoy an activity, while extrinsic motivation is rooted in wanting to achieve a specific look, often influenced by images of others. Fitspiration falls squarely into the extrinsic category, making exercise feel like a punishment rather than something enjoyable.
Think of those old-school diets and the pressure to fit into a certain dress before an event—those are all fueled by extrinsic motivation. Sure, you might see quick results, but they rarely last. Trust me, I’ve been there! I’ve found myself late at night, reaching for the jar of peanut butter to comfort me after a long day, even when I know I shouldn’t.
A Shift in Perspective
But I wasn’t always this way. There was a time when I shifted my focus from what I looked like to how I felt. As a mom with young kids, I realized the importance of taking care of myself for their sake. That’s when my intrinsic motivation kicked in. I may not love traditional exercise, but I discovered that I enjoy yoga and fun activities like the Wii Fit Plus.
I tried Weight Watchers, which allowed me to still enjoy my favorite foods while focusing on healthier choices. I even started a blog to document my healthy baking adventures, and guess what? I lost 40 pounds and felt fantastic!
Life threw some curveballs my way, and I lost that motivation for a while. However, I’m slowly finding my way back. The key for me is to remember that exercise can be enjoyable, not just a means to look good.
Final Thoughts
So, here’s the deal: be healthy and fit, but don’t beat yourself up over it. Don’t let fitspiration lead you into a spiral of self-doubt or body-shaming. Fitness should be a tool to enhance your life, not something that controls it. If you want to read more about this topic, check out our other blog post here. For those seeking information on home insemination, Make a Mom is a great resource, and WebMD offers valuable insights on various treatments.
Summary
Fitspiration may seem motivational but often leads to negative feelings and unhealthy habits. A shift toward intrinsic motivation—focusing on health and enjoyment rather than appearance—can create sustainable change. Embrace fitness as a positive part of your life, not a source of stress.