Are Fitness Models Role Models?

Are Fitness Models Role Models?

For simplicity’s sake, I will focus only on female fitness models famous on Instagram for this post.

The prevalence of fitness models or “fitspo” accounts online has recently skyrocketed. Several female fitness influencers have hundreds of thousands - some even millions - of followers tuning in to see what exercise they will display next. But are they role models? Are they influencing these masses of onlookers in a positive way? Let’s explore.

Obviously, sex sells. And one could assume that the sexiness of these fitness posts is the foundation leading to their huge success. If you scroll through any popular fitness bloggers feed, you’ll find that many, if not all pictures and videos feature the model in scantily clad or skin-tight workout attire. The cameras are angled giving the viewer close ups of the model’s breasts and butt. This is no accident. If you search the hashtag #buttworkout, you’ll see it currently has over 100,000 posts featuring workouts that promise a rounder backside. Clearly, people are fixated on this asset for its sex appeal.

Does wanting to look sexy (even for others at times) detract from one’s ability to be a good role model? In my opinion, no. However, branding yourself solely as sexy or having to add the element of sex appeal to popularize every single thing you’re doing is a little cheap to me.

I’ve noticed a pretty obvious theme among these accounts. There is a heavy emphasis on building muscle in order to achieve the perfect hourglass figure. “Try this workout to make your hips wider, your butt bigger, your waist slimmer, or even lift your breasts.” The near-obsession with this body type - with any body type - cannot be good. There should always be a level of acceptance of figures that don’t fit whatever body trend is in fashion at the moment. I think many will agree that the goal of being in shape rather than having the perfect shape is healthier. Too much stress on perfecting your appearance is a negative.

Okay. That was a lot of “evidence” suggesting that these fitness models may not be the best idols to look up to. However, I also personally found many signs demonstrating the contrary.

Let’s start at the most basic level: these women are inspiring others to get in shape. Anyone that can motivate others to lead a healthier, more active life is a positive influence, no doubt.

I also discovered something interesting; the majority of users consuming these female fitness models’ content are women themselves. This could eliminate the assumption that these women are famous just because men are enjoying the sexiness of their workouts. One could conclude that these fitness models are using their platform to inspire other women, not to cater to the male gaze. (This is looking through a very narrow lens of heteronormativity, unfortunately. But, again for simplicity’s sake, I’ll move on.) Women helping women is another positive in my book.

I’ve also found that these Instagram influencers are not just posting about how to get the perfect physique; they are spreading body positivity. (Take influential fitness personality, Anna Victoria, for example.) Many show that it is simply impossible to achieve the ideal body type at all times. Sometimes you're bloated. Sometimes you won't be able to present yourself at the most flattering angle. And they say that this is okay. This promotion of self-acceptance and reassurance for others definitely leads a positive example. 

Even when they aren't talking about building a better body, they are positively influencing others in different ways. They have become teachers, coaches, and motivators: showing women how to use gym equipment and proper techniques; and providing meal prep recipes that are easy for everyone to follow (see successful fitness model Krissy Cela's post below). They are allowing others to overcome their fears at the gym and providing the tools to be more healthy and nutritious overall. Encouraging people to feel better, rather than just look better is a decent cause to me. 

These women are major influencers today. They have garnered enormous followings and have made livings off of them (selling clothing, supplements, and training programs.) They are sexy and successful. So… are they role models? Yes…and no. It’s up to you. The “strong = sexy” narrative can be interpreted very positively, but also has many problems. That being said, all role models are problematic in some way. Nobody is perfect. Nobody’s morals are going to directly align with yours. Only you can decide how you receive others’ influence over you. 

What do you think?