Day 8 of 21

Day 8 of 21

Myth: All models look like their pictures. 

5 years ago I was nieve to think that when I looked a picture in a magazine, that people actually looked EXACTLY like their pictures. Then I began to work with people in the fitness industry. When I attended my first olympia, I was surprised to see that people didn't' exactly look like their pictures. Many were not as lean, had cellulite and on and on. 

Many people will make the decision to get in shape. They may find a picture in a magazine that they like and say this is what I want to look like. There is nothing wrong with this, but when you look at a photo, you have to ask yourself, is this obtainable and sustainable? 

I can count on 1 hand the fitness models that are always camera ready. Why? Because to maintain the physics that they have for a photo shoot would not only be very difficult, but very unhealthy. Much like people that compete, the body they step out on stage with is not a sustainable body. Then you have those people that make the choice to use steroids to help maintain their physic. If they have a steroid body (many woman in the fitness industry are using now and we are talking about bikini competitors not the hard core body building woman), there is no way you will be able to do that eating healthy and balanced. I have had numerous people come to me with metabolic damage from overtraining and under eating. This is very difficult to fix and takes quite a bit of time. Several top fitness models have spoken out about their experience with this and how it has hurt their bodies, and for what? A plastic trophy. 

Another factor you have to look at is all the photo shopping that is done. In this picture you can see the difference photo shop can make. It is huge. If all of the woman I know that feel bad about themselves had some of their pictures done, they would be pretty happy with themselves!!!

The point I am trying to make is we are so critical of ourselves. We pick up a magazine and feel we should look like that. The most important thing is to be healthy. If you use a picture as motivation, try and find someone that has your body shape. It is unrealistic to have a curvy body and look like Jamie Eason. Her build is completely different. So what does that look like?

It is eating healthy meals, in their most natural state. It is getting plenty of water and rest. It is exercising regularly, and not too much or too little. Having fun is important to a healthy mindset. Many of the fitness people are some of the most unhealthy people. They drink their meals, have too much protein and too little vegetables and other carbs. Things are not always as they appear to be. Don't ever compare yourself to anyone. You are an original and as long as you are striving to be your highest and best self that is all that matters.