One of the things I love about triathlon and indeed mosts sports over just fitness, is that people like us involved in it tend to be bothered NOT just with image. There is the obvious need to perform as well.
It’s this performance goal which will always excite me over image but I think I need to make this point.
The world is becoming increasingly narcissistic and I think this can negatively impact even the strongest of us.
There is no shame in being proud of our bodies and our achievements but I am really NOT a massive fan of people bragging about themselves – the difference can be subtle.
This appears to be particularly noticeable on social media, where people love posting six pack picture and shots of their arse in little shorts.
Now we all know these pictures are fake, or at least this is the best picture of themselves that day, in perfect light, with various filters applied.
My neighbour is a brilliant example of this nonsense.
She’s a young woman not involved in any sport with a little child.
I suppose I’d say she’s normal in her appearance.
My wife is friends with her on Facebook.
The other day she showed me some picture that she had posted – “Who is that?”
I asked, my male hormones all a fluster.
Susan from next door she said.
What – I thought, that looks nothing like her.
Now, I am all for making the most of yourselves but this dishonesty is not right.
If you can make yourself look essentially like someone else through instagram etc, that is portraying a lie to the world.
It is also not addressing any of the REAL issues.
So this email has two points:
1 – Don’t believe the BS you see on Facebook and instagram
2 – Actually fix the problem, don’t just cover it up with a filter and good lighting.
The problem with both of these scenarios is that they can get in our head and make us feel like were not achieving as much as we would like, perhaps we don’t have the body we would like.
In short it’s not good for confidence.
Especially if you’re feeling a little down on yourself any way.
The answer for me is this:
Whenever you see anyone looking in great shape remember some basic things:
- They will be fake tanned
- They will be in perfect lighting
- They will have various filters on the pic
- They don’t actually look like that on a normal Tuesday afternoon.
So how do you fix YOUR problems.
- Not an extra run session here or there
- Not cutting more calories
- Certainly not reducing fat
Quite simply get your nutrition right and add a little resistance training to your routine.
If you need help with the nutrition side of things get my ebook – The Triathlete Nutrition Code (how to set up your perfect diet), its £9.99/14 ish USD
http://www.nutri-tri.com/e-books/
If you need some more accountability and some help with strength training, join my private coaching group – The Total Triathlete.
http://www.nutri-tri.com/the-total-triathlete/
If you join this you get the book thrown in, so essentially the first month is free and you can unsubscribe any time.
Jamie “Keep it real” Leighton