Fitness Trainer Shows How Simple It Is To Fake A Before And After 'Fitspo' Photo | HuffPost Life

This Is How Simple It Is To Fake A Before And After 'Fitspo' Photo

Natasha Hinde— The Huffington Post UK

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You know those before and after 'fitspo' shots on Instagram that make you want to (almost) drop the cake and do burpees on the spot?

Well, one fitness trainer has set out to prove that you shouldn't always be bowled over by them.

Fitness trainer and blogger Sophie Kay revealed just how easy it is to create a fake "before and after" fitspiration shot within minutes of one another, simply by making a few small adjustments.

In her blog post on debunking fitness myths, Sophie Kay showed before and after fitness shots, which she'd taken just three minutes apart.

Her aim was to show that sometimes they're totally unrealistic, so you shouldn't compare yourself to them.

Speaking to HuffPost UK Lifestyle, Kay said: "I've felt the pressure of having to look a certain way being a fitness blogger and personal trainer, and I realised that I'm just never going to look like those 'instababes'.

"Once I accepted that, I started to love my body and wanted to help other women and men make the same realisation.

"Just as much as there are lots of people out there who are sharing genuine transformation photos, there are also lots of selfies that perhaps don't show the real side of fitness as only the 'best' get posted.

"It's important to remember this when you're looking for 'fitspo' online."

SEE ALSO:
Before And After Pictures Show What Ten Weeks Of Extreme Fitness Dedication Can Do
How Fitness Turned This Woman's Life Around After Surviving Two Horrific Freak Accidents
How Our Obsession Over Shirtless Men With Six Packs Is Hurting The Next Generation

To achieve her fake before and after pictures, she revealed: "All I did between the two photos was turn off the overhead light, put on underwear that fit better, twist my body slightly to the side to show off my best angle, flex and, of course, add a filter.

"So don’t pay much attention to those ‘before and after’ shots!"

In the blog post, Kay also brings a few other fitness myths to our attention, namely that you don't have to have a six-pack to be healthy and fit, and that exercise is not easy, it's hard ("and if it is easy then you’re not pushing yourself").

"The world of perfect abs, long legs and sweat-free faces on Instagram portrays an image of fitness that is fun, easy and full of happiness," she writes in her blog.

"It can be all of these things, but it can also be tiring, tough, demoralising and grump-inducing when you’re getting up and it’s still dark outside. Plus, no one actually looks perfect if they’re working out properly!"

The 12 Biggest Fitness Myths

Myth: Sit Ups And Crunches Are Most Effective For Six-Pack Abs(01 of12)

Truth: Moves like planks and push ups are much more effective at carving out your ab muscles than sit ups and crunches. These exercises target your whole core and, when combined with cardio and a healthy diet, are the way to strengthen your abs. Watch (credit:Alamy)

Myth: Cardio Burns The Most Calories(02 of12)

Truth: If you want to burn more fat overall -- and keep burning it long after your workout is over -- weight training is the way to go. See more (credit:Alamy)

Myth: Stretching Is Best Before Working Out(03 of12)

Warming up with cardio before a workout is much more effective than stretching. It will get your blood flowing and warm up your muscles, preventing injury. Save the static stretching for after your workout. Watch (credit:Alamy)

Myth: Weight Lifting Will Bulk You Up(04 of12)

Truth: Women aren't built to bulk up the same way men do; females don't have the testosterone levels necessary. Choose heavy weights with less repetitions instead of light weights with higher reps. See more (credit:Alamy)

Myth: You Need Eight Glasses Of Water Daily(05 of12)

Drink as much water as you need for clear urine. We get a great deal of water from food, and if you're not thirsty, there's no reason to force yourself to down another glass. Watch (credit:Alamy)

Myth: Go Gluten-Free To Lose Weight(06 of12)

Unless you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, there's no need to go gluten-free. In fact, many gluten-free items have twice the carbs and much more sugar and fat than the regular versions. See more (credit:Alamy)

Myth: It's Too Late To Get In Shape(07 of12)

Truth: It's never too late to begin a healthier routine. If you don't exercise at all, start by walking 5 to 10 minutes a day, gradually increasing the time and adding in strength training after 1 to 3 months. Watch (credit:Alamy)

Myth: You Need A Long Workout (08 of12)

Truth: Your body starts burning fat as soon as you start exercising.If you can't exercise for the 30 minutes a day recommended for adults, a shorter, intense workout is better than no workout. See more (credit:Alamy)

Myth: You Need A Gym Membership To Get Results(09 of12)

Truth: You don't need a gym membership or major equipment to work out. A yoga mat, resistance band or even a chair are all you need to get a full-body workout at home. Watch (credit:Alamy)

Myth: If You're Not In Pain, You're Not Working Hard Enough(10 of12)

Truth: While muscle soreness is to be expected during a workout, especially if you're trying a new exercise or lifting a heavier weight, but if you're in serious pain, stop what you're doing. It doesn't mean you're working harder -- it means you're probably injuring yourself. See more (credit:Alamy)

Myth: You Can Spot Reduce Fat(11 of12)

Truth: The areas your body stores fat in are genetic. In order to lose weight in one area, you have to lose weight all over. Calories in vs. calories out, in combination with exercise and strength training, are the only ways to "spot reduce" fat. See more (credit:Alamy)

Myth: More Exercise Is Always Better(12 of12)

Truth: Intense exercising every single day will burn you out, making you less likely to maintain a routine. Your muscles need time to recover. You also might not be keeping your form as well during frequent, extra-long workouts. Focusing on a few days of quality exercise a week instead of 7 days of mediocre effort will earn you better results. Watch (credit:Alamy)

[H/T Hello Giggles]

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