Many people work out for vanity’s sake. They follow a strict exercise regimen to bulk up or form specific body parts, focusing less on overall health and fitness. Personal trainers like Phil Snowden see this as a problem, and he blames social media.

“This ... evolution of fitness particularly on [Instagram and TikTok] in recent years has become very bad taste in my opinion,”  Snowden told Young Post in a 2022 interview.

Snowden pointed out that having such a skewed view of exercising may lead to the development of disorders like bigorexia. It’s a form of body dysmorphia where people become obsessed with decreasing their fat mass to unhealthy levels while increasing muscle mass. 

A 2021 review revealed that bigorexia, otherwise known as Adonis complex, mainly affects men. Overall, their obsession with following a strenuous workout routine adversely affects their health and social life.

Other people have an unhealthy relationship with exercise, to the point where they prioritize it over maintaining personal relationships. As pointed out by eating disorder psychologist Dr. Bryony Bamford, such a mindset can also cause mental and emotional strain. 

In an interview with Vogue India, Dr. Bamford explained that an all-consuming preoccupation with exercise that doesn’t meet self-imposed fitness goals may lead to anxiety and a sense of inadequacy, which can become problematic in the long run.

When approaching exercise, Snowden urges people to embody a holistic mindset. Instead of dedicating yourself to gym workouts, he suggests going outside for a brisk walk or a short run to be outdoors for some fresh air. 

And if you’re going through bouts of anxiety and self-questioning, Snowden advises seeking assistance from a professional who can properly evaluate your fitness goals. 

“Unless you are a professional athlete, your fitness goal should be to achieve overall health and wellness to enhance your quality of life,” he said.

Another way to approach working out is to keep things fun and lighthearted. According to body image psychologist Dr. Nadia Craddock, finding a healthy balance between taking exercise seriously and being silly about it is essential to avoid falling into unhealthy obsessions.

“Think about physical activity as a chance to be silly and playful and an opportunity to have fun and make friends,” Dr. Craddock told Vogue India, adding that following the latest fitness trends and tracking every step you take isn’t always necessary to reap the benefits of exercise.

We’d also like to hear from all of you fitness buffs out there. Did any of these images resonate with you? Do they reflect your views on exercise and staying active? Share your thoughts!