When you see a picture of somebody “In great shape” it can conjure up all sorts of emotions; awe, jealousy, admiration and maybe even frustration that you have not got your physique where you would like it to be. But before you allow this train of destructive thought to plague your mind any further please bear in mind the following:

Photoshop Universe:

We are living in a world where almost every visual image you see from a professional publication like a fashion or fitness magazine is in fact photo shopped to make the people in these pictures appear flawless. Tighter waists, bigger boobs, flawless complexions and more. Nothing is left to chance in the world of celebrity for example. All of the images that are released to the public are tightly controlled and digitally pimped to perfection. So where does this leave you the viewer? Usually you are left with a pile of self-loathing, judgement and a feeling that you are just not quite good enough AND with those standards you never will be.

Bodybuilding and Bikini Role models:

Many people turn to the fitness community to look for “Thinspiration” or “Fitspo” so they can haul their apparently ineffectual asses to the gym more often and maybe just once stick to the egg white and chicken breast lifestyle. What many people do not realise is the illusion of leanness that is projected from this sport.

In most cases the competitors follow a very highly stringent diet for anywhere from 12 to 20 weeks out before a show. During this time for the most part the individual has no social life. Parties are most certainly out. Meals with friends and family are out. Treats are out and a very strict regimen of eating is put in place. At the end of it the participant hopes to arrive at Body Nirvana all ripped, shredded and peeled for one day of glory!

What follows is usually the post contest binge with competitors gaining 20 lb or more in the week after a show. This is most devastating to the psyche of both male and female competitors. It is particularly devastating to the hormonal balance and health of the females in question. Many go on to develop eating disorders, body dysmorphia and damaged metabolisms that may take years to correct. Very few can go season to season without developing some degree of body dysmorphia. I remember speaking to one of the top bodybuilders in Ireland and he said the problem with doing a show is that afterwards “YOU ALWAYS FEEL FAT”. Great route to boost the Self Esteem then…..or not.

Leanness and Health:

We are always consistently told left, right and centre that being leaner is good for our health. This is what I learned all through University and on practically every seminar I have ever taken on Fat-loss, Nutrition and Training. And while it is true that obesity escalates many of the biggest killers disease wise like cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease it is most certainly NOT TRUE that being really lean and “in great shape” is a guarantee that you are healthy.

I remember being at a fat loss seminar many years ago with Kineseologist and all round bad ass Ken Kinakin and he was testing one of the most ripped guys in the room. The guy in question was from Canada and had his own Gym and lots of trainers working for him. He was really lean and had exceptional muscle mass and symmetry. Boy did he look healthy!

The reality when he was tested by Ken was so far from the truth. The guy had adrenal fatigue of an extreme level. He was really weak on all of his tests showing impaired internal organ function. Problem is he could probably have run anybody into the ground in a training session. However these subtle tests showed the true story hidden underneath the apparently perfect exterior. This guy was working crazy hours running his business, over training and god knows what else.

So just because you look good on the outside is no guarantee that all is well on the inside. Many individuals who appear lean and healthy get to their current sate by forcing their body’s to over train. They adopt a control freak of the universe approach toward their diet and some even use questionable chemical methods to arrive at their own personal surface illusion.

Can one be really healthy AND lean? The answer is of course yes! There are however very few individuals walking this earth that have arrived at that delicate balance whereby the will is not overused at the expense of the flourishing of the body and soul.

Mind over Matter is one of the greatest singular lies that has been sold by and to the Fitness industry.

So nurture your Body, Mind and Soul with nourishing foods, foods you enjoy, foods that you sometimes splurge on. Choose exercise that boosts health and program recovery sessions and Yin building sessions. Take time out to enjoy friends and Family. Because if you are not Happy and Healthy on the inside the only person you are really fooling is YOU!