Mental Health and Fitness

I apologize for the longer post in advance!

So after I finished posting about social media and fitness the other day I thought about the role social media can play in overall mental health and support for those seeking a healthier lifestyle.  Everyone isn't meant to compete or body build, but everyone was meant to be healthy and happy.  Life was designed for movement-- in fact I am blogging while standing up.  The human body simply was not designed for a sedentary lifestyle. This has been proven time and time again.  Even walking around your house will improve your mental and physical state.

So how important is mental health?  I am not doctor so I can only abstractly summarize what /how mental health can contribute to your wellness plan, or how social media and popular culture can impact your mood, and how all if this can impact your overall success...

An anonymous IGer reached out to me after reading the blog yesterday and wanted to give me feedback.  She has been working on losing 100lbs for the past three years.  By "working on", she explained, it was at the forefront of her conscious for the past three years, and this year she decided to proactively lose the weight.  She mentioned the void that IG fills, giving her daily quotes and inspirational pictures to look at and envision.  Instagram is not the only social media outlet.  This IGer has recently turned into a BodyRocker.  She follows the YouTube channel and Facebook page for daily workouts and tries to modify at home, while adding walking on nice weather days and cardio at the gym on the weekends.  Visual aids are important to her-- to the point of addiction.  Each week she selects a new role model to get her through seven days of workouts and then she inputs her macros daily on the MyfitnessPal App.

Mobility is key in these post-post modern times (more on that term later).  What seemed like a nice stroll in the park is a highly choreographed Zumba routine, a protein shake to follow, and then a recipe from the Internet for dinner.  What does this mean?  Can people still meet their fitness and wellness goals without the internet?  I think so.

I have a close friend, who is expecting her first child.  Facebook is a hassle for her, but she posts occasionally and she's never even taken a photo for Instagram or Twitter.  She has remained active throughout her pregnancy and plans to compete in her first figure event postpartum.  She is not any less motivated than those who post or read daily anecdotes online.  The Internet isn't for everyone, but it does provide mobility for the successful transfer of motivational information to those seeking it.

I would compare the Internet to Weight Watchers.  It isn't for everyone, but those who commit to seeking the advice and support will remain connected long enough to succeed.

Personally, I have done Weight Watchers, and succeeded.  Attending the meetings was not convenient for me to fit in my schedule with my workouts, and other life duties/obligations.  But it works.  Health insurance even reimburses you for attending sessions (up to 50%), so if you need coaching, it is a good option.  They have an online community that supports what you do collectively.

I am more of an in-person type when it comes to coaching.  I like checking in with real people, coaching phone calls, and workout circuit training groups.  I now rely on my workout buddies and MyFitnessPal for tracking.  I also have pretty defined goals at this point, so it is more about diet and stern fitness goals in tandem.  It is unfortunate that healthy living is way of thinking or mindset rather than a way of life for all.  In today's society it takes thought, processing-- mental work, if you will.  That being said, you have to mentally be healthy and have a healthy mindset to approach diet and fitness, Internet or solo.

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Fitness and Social Media: Blessed Union or Releasing the Dragons?!

So I have been on somewhat of a hiatus... life happens.  One thing I haven't stopped doing was following fitness aficionados on social media.  I confess, I have given up on Twitter but INstagram is definitely still "in" and still a major means of me getting my daily fitness word.

A few observations... Being able to visually see fitness experts, models, and those undergoing transformations is inspiring.  It can be motivational and assuring for those seeking assurance of their fitness goals but does it leave novice fitness fanatics vulnerable to internet "dragons"?

A "dragon" would be someone who may be posting pictures of other fitness experts, posing as someone else or those who have transformed their bodies with the help of others, and now posing as fitness experts.  I commend Instagram fitness popular personalities such as Bsanlo1, who openly discusses her appreciation for her diet and fitness team.  Brittany is an up and coming fitness competitor, business owner, and, in previous posts, has cautioned followers using the following words of advice:

"Please be aware of Instagram celebrity online trainers.  A procard and/or 6 pack does not make you a trainer.  Do they have a degree in a related field?  Are they certified to write nutrition plans and individualized diets?  What is their background?  Years of experience?  These things are important, your health and body are in their hands."

Brittany couldn't be more accurate.  While social media is a means of mobilizing your services and talents, it can be easy to follow and even fall victim to internet scams.  Would you send $100,000 to the Prince of Zamunda via wire transfer?  Then why would you pay $500, or even $100 to someone to send you fabricated or replicated diet and nutrition plans????  Check the individual's background.  Competing is not enough to warrant them to advise you when it pertains to your overall health and well-being.

I personally have taken a more medically based approach to my diet and fitness.  I have consulted dietitians and nutritionists and then joined a gym that offers a wide range of group fitness classes to keep me attentive and motivated.  I am not perfect.  My plan may not be perfect for you or anyone other than me, but you have to find your perfect fitness Zen.  Social media paired with EXPERT advice may be a blessed union for those seeking a plan and a means of staying connected and motivated with others who share the same passion.  It can also be the Pandora's Box of diet and fitness scammers.  Proceed with caution and post-on!

You can check Brittany Sanlo out on social media using the following:

Bsanlo on YouTube
Bsanlo on Instagram
Bsanlo on Instagram