In the world of fitness and bodybuilding, the influence of social media can be a double-edged sword. Recently, renowned fitness sensation Mike Thurston shed light on a crucial aspect – the impact of body dysmorphia in the age of constant comparison on online platforms.
During a candid podcast, Chris Williamson broached the subject of body dysmorphia, especially in men, stating that the issue might be on the rise, possibly surpassing its prevalence in women. Thurston, known for his insightful takes on the industry, shared his perspective, emphasizing the importance of being mindful of the content one consumes.
Mike Thurston warns people to be cautious about choosing their inspirations
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Thurston warned, “You probably have to be careful with who you’re following and who you’re comparing yourself to.” He highlighted the psychological toll of constantly measuring oneself against the top 1% of athletes globally, emphasizing that such comparisons could lead to feelings of inadequacy for the average person.
In the YouTube video, Thurston shared his personal experience, acknowledging that as someone who finds inspiration in elite athletes, following their journeys motivates him. However, he acknowledged the flip side, where others might perceive these lofty goals as unattainable, leading to a sense of worthlessness.
The podcast turned interesting when Williamson pointed out Thurston’s recent training session with bodybuilding icon Kai Greene. Thurston, unfazed, continued to stress the significance of individual perspectives, stating, “I’m the type of person that gets inspired by it; I get motivated by that.” However, he acknowledged that not everyone reacts the same way, and some might find it demoralizing rather than uplifting.
Similarly, a while back, a fitness influencer also talked about body dysmorphia and shed light on how one picture looks better with better lighting and setup.
David’s take on body dysmorphia
Derek from More Plates More Dates shared some insights about how lighting and the pump can change how someone looks. He used David Laid, a famous fitness influencer with over four million followers, as an example. In one pic, David looked normal in regular light and a t-shirt. But in the next one, at the gym with special lighting and flexing, he looked like a total beast!
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Derek stressed how it’s all about the lighting and angles. He also mentioned how seeing these super-fit bodies can mess with one’s head and make it feel like one needs to do extreme things to look like them. So, according to Derek, sometimes it’s just the lighting that turns a regular person into a bodybuilding beast.
As we traverse the age of social media, their advice resonates – be cautious of the narratives you expose yourself to, choose inspiration over comparison, and recognize the uniqueness of your journey. It’s a powerful message in the pursuit of both physical and mental well-being in the world of fitness.
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