Social media has convinced us that a flat stomach, toned thighs, and a sculpted bottom are the only visible signs of intense exercise. It's an appearance that seems to convey athletic fitness and justify a gym membership. However, appearance doesn't tell the whole story about a woman's activity level. Content creator @yorurediana, for example, doesn't have the physique expected of a "fit girl," nor bulging muscles, but she possesses undeniable strength.
“You don’t do any sport,” a remark heard repeatedly
Behind the hashtag “fitgirl” lies a mosaic of laser-etched, slender figures. In this virtual showcase, all the featured girls boast four-dimensional abs, toned legs, quads that barely stretch their leggings, perky glutes, and a slim waist in proportion to their broad shoulders. They fit into the narrow boxes of Instagram, yes, but also those of society. They conform to what is dictated by societal standards: a body free of fat, sculpted by exercise.
The only acceptable shapes in this athletic ideal must be located in very specific places and not exceed a certain circumference for the sake of visual harmony. This ideal of beauty, seemingly set in stone, must not be challenged. By constantly being exposed to these kinds of virtual images, the eye struggles to find a connection between curves and athleticism. In the collective imagination, cellulite and rounded body angles are more indicators of laziness or procrastination than of consistent training.
Content creator @yorurediana is one of the victims of this fatphobic stereotype. Proud to share her deadlift achievements and squat progress, she quickly became disillusioned. In return, instead of encouragement or bulging biceps, she received comments questioning her muscular abilities . Treated like an imposter, even a walking scam, internet users spontaneously accused her of not having the "build" of a true fitness influencer. "The assumption is that if you want the legitimacy to say 'I train regularly,' you have to have the physique 'to back it up,'" she lamented in the caption.
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When physical appearance takes precedence over performance
This fitness enthusiast, who practically lives on the padded floor of gyms, laments being labeled a liar simply because her curves don't "sufficiently" reflect her efforts. She can lift barbells loaded with over 80 kilos or push herself to failure on a leg press machine at her maximum body weight, yet all internet users notice are the creases in her skin and the bulges under her leggings.
Yet, Diana works out at the gym five times a week, and she's not faking it. Her intense focus on the action proves it. And just because she doesn't have Schwarzenegger's legs or a Kim Kardashian's figure doesn't mean she's any less deserving on the mat. Contrary to what the "haters" might interpret based on her physique, Diana doesn't just lounge on the sofa, stuffing herself with candy or chips. She sweats profusely under the weights, and she's not toughening her body, but her mind.
In a world that pushes women to exercise for the wrong reasons and pits them against unattainable body types, Diana shines in our feeds like a poster of diversity. She proves that an athletic body doesn't need to justify its strength with defined muscles or a smooth physique.
Reminder: all body types are welcome in the gym
While social media has convinced us that rolls of fat, gelatinous arms, and wide thighs are supernatural or strange, what is truly strange are the frozen bodies of the internet. These bodies, petrified by norms, know nothing of premenstrual bloating or the yo-yo effect. Diana, however, directs the camera where it almost never lands and shows how easy it is to distort reality with lighting, body posture, and the placement of clothing.
In a world where abs can be acquired on an operating table and muscles can be sculpted with the help of tanning powder, it's hard not to be misled. So Diana puts authenticity back in its rightful place and pushes back the narrow confines of the "fit girl." Besides, rolls of fat have their advantages at the gym. Far from hindering movement or slowing progress, they cushion the impact during hip thrusts and other exercises.
Ultimately, our physical appearance doesn't determine our vitality or athletic profile. Diana kindly reminds us of the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover." Because a body is just a shell, not a unit of measurement.
