For or Against: The Case of Fitspo

We're working under the assumption that you know what "fitspo" (short for "fitspiration") is - but if not, in short, fitspo is images of active, strong, and fit women that promote proper exercise and diet; it may also include images healthy foods or motivational words. Sounds pretty good, right? Sounds like awesome visual motivation, yeah? Wellllll....a quick Google search would lead you to think it's the exact opposite; that it is sent from the depths of hell to ruin us all. Go ahead and look, we'll wait...





In researching for this post, it was honestly virtually impossible to find anything of good substance that made a case FOR fitspo....which lead to some second-guessing of our own thoughts/feelings on the subject. You see,we both operate under the assumption that there is some good fitspo out there and that as originally created, it was made with good intention. Are we naive? Maybe so....but people could (and probably do) consider our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages fitspo.

Could we get into a huge, lofty, philosophical argument on the dark side of fitspo? Sure. And we completely recognize that we sometime see things labeled as fitspo on social media, Pinterest, etc. and cringe. Things most could consider demeaning to women, memes insulting one fitness activity in favor of another (you know the "Zumba? Bitch, I Crossfit" one...), etc.

But, how about making a case for fitspo?

How about acknowledging that a lot of folks are visually motivated?

Can't there be all forms of fitspo? Not every person finds the same body type a goal, attainable, etc.

P.S. - they are all showing skin because they're all gorgeous and wanted to,
but fitspo doesn't have to be in revealing clothes. And we used all women
as example since most fitspo is geared to that sex.

And can one be one's own fitspo, i.e., getting back to when one felt the best/most healthy?

All in all, we think when used for good, fitspo can be a good, healthy thing! And as with most things....when used for evil, it has the potential to be seriously detrimental.

We are REALLY curious about your thoughts - please comment below!

In Health,

Lindsay and Tim

What’s Made All the Difference in Our Marriage

     We certainly aren’t marriage or relationship experts, and some would say that after being together only 6 years, we don’t have the longevity to speak on this topic; however, at this point in our life together, here’s what we feel has made all the difference in our marriage:

 

     WE comes before I or OTHERS

o     We don’t necessarily put each other first, rather – we put our marriage first. Our little nuclear family takes priority over all. 

      We tease each other

o     Honestly, we do give each other a really hard time, but it is light-hearted! Teasing is certainly a medium of affection between the two of us.

·       We interview each other

o     Even though we like to think we know each other inside-out, we both ask a lot of questions of each other, and sometimes the answers are surprising/unexpected! Car rides and meals out are when the bulk of the interviewing happens. It’s a way we subconsciously tell each other “I still think you are an incredibly intriguing creature” :-)

·        We push each other

o    This part has more layers than an onion.  From workouts together, to career moves, to personality issues….we challenge each other to be more, to do more.

·         We apologize

o     Maybe not always immediately or when the other really needs it….but it comes, eventually. :-)

·        We celebrate each other

o     Birthdays, successes on the job, life events….we try to make a big deal out of the little things! We strive to be each other’s Cheerleader/#1 Fan!

·        We seek inspiration in other couples

o     As individuals, we try to only surround ourselves with positive and motivated people. As a couple, we like to do the same – find other couples, whose relationships we admire, and steal from what they’re doing. Conversely, we also take note of things we see other couples doing that we don’t want….which usually plays out with one of us saying “If you EVER did that, I would kick your ass!” :-)

·       We laugh

o    You know how Buddy the Elf says smiling is his favorite?? Well laughing is ours! Most of the time it comes from the aforementioned piece about teasing each other, but we look for sources of laughter anywhere and everywhere!

·       We are honest with each other

o     Neither of us are mind-readers, so we don’t expect each other to magically know something. If you want ____ say you want ____! Also, if one of us is being a jerk, the other tells them! Sometimes we tell each other through our dog Bo…you know, talking to the dog with the other in ear-shot: “WOW, Daddy is sure in a bad mood today, huh BoBo?” C’mon – we can’t be the only ones who do that!! :-)

·       We do stuff together

o     It is safe to say we are each other’s favorite person – you know, that person when you always want to hang out with! While we have our own individual interests, we always prefer to “do stuff” together!

We hope to look back on this is several years to see what's changed or what we've added! We'd love to hear what's made the difference in your marriage or relationship!! Feel free to comment below (anonymously if you want!)

Laura Gordon Photography

Laura Gordon Photography

Laura Gordon Photography