Kim LyonsDid you make a New Year’s Resolution to finally get in shape this year? Did you set a specific scale number or body fat percentage that you would like to achieve? Or was it a certain pant size or dress size that you are aiming for instead? Maybe there’s a specific look that you are going for and you would love to see yourself with six pack abs?

Were you one of those rare people who actually visualized what you are going to look like when you achieve your goal? What helped you create that vision? Do you have an old picture of a leaner and healthier version of yourself or are you relying on magazine covers to help you visualize the new flat tummy that you are going to sculpt?

Speaking of magazine covers… how often do you look to them for motivation and inspiration? It’s hard not to notice them when you are in the checkout aisle at your local grocery store. I have to admit that I get a quick motivational boost when I see these fitness magazines while the cashier is scanning my food. There was even a time when I put back a tub of ice cream at the check out aisle because a magazine cover inspired me ;)

How often do you use these fitness cover models as a model for what you are aiming for with your fat loss goals?

OK, so I just through a whole bunch of questions at you. I hope that you aren’t feeling overwhelmed. There is a purpose to it all and here’s the main one…

When setting your fat loss goals and envisioning yourself in a vibrant, healthy, energetic body it’s important to visualize the BEST YOU That YOU Can Be!

Comparing yourself to cover models is simply not fair unless you plan on making a career out of it yourself and you don’t mind seeing yourself airbrushed and Photoshopped.

I’m all cool with looking at a picture in a fitness magazine to spark that inspiration to make a change in your life or pull yourself out of a lazy day and get your butt working out.

…But I want the best eye popping abs that I Can Have not what someone else can achieve.

I can’t stand the phrase “Realistic Goals“. I find that the phrase tends to limit what’s really possible. But if your goal is to be the best you that you can be, burn that stubborn belly fat to reveal a flatter tummy, and look great in a bathing suit or evening gown, you really shouldn’t be looking at these cover models physiques as something to aim for.

Could you achieve a body like that if you really busted your butt off? It’s possible. Could you maintain it for life? Maybe.

Even though I don’t like the phrase ‘realistic goals’, here’s why I say that this may not be a realistic goal for you… Those cover models don’t even look exactly as the pictures are showing. They’ve been airbrushed and who knows what else.

Did you ever see that Dove commercial of a model getting Photoshopped prior to having her picture up on a billboard? Check it out…

Many women may see that billboard and wish they had that models cheeks or lips… Those cheeks and lips aren’t even that models!

That’s my point. Many pictures aren’t even REAL! The Muscle and Fitness cover image that I have at the top of this post features Kim and Gunter. They are one of the most fit couples out there. They look outstanding without being airbrushed. But I guarantee there’s been some work done to those photos.

Not to mention that there was perfect lighting conditions and an entire makeup crew to get them looking perfect. You would be blown away by how much make up is applied to people before stepping in front of the camera. I had a makeup crew during the recording of parts of The Change Series movie. I was caked with makeup… after all, my head is pretty shiny ;)

Plus, these models go through some serious training to look as great as they can for a photo shoot. And, they don’t look like that all year long.

When I interviewed Clark Bartram, one of the most recognized fitness models out there, for the Unstoppable Fat Loss program even he said people should not be trying to look like his magazine cover pictures. It’s his job to be in absolutely outstanding shape, but if you are an engineer, a hair stylist, or a nurse you don’t need to be ridiculously ripped.

So why should you try to visualize yourself with that body? Does it make sense to aim for those super elite high standards? Do you think it may set you up for frustration and disappointment? What kind of emotions will it stir up in you?

Now tell me… what’s the BEST YOU look like? How does she/he feel? What challenges has this best you overcome to become this incredible person that you always knew you had inside of you? What does the future look like for this BEST YOU? What opportunities have presented themselves to you? What new goals will this best you be aiming for now that you realize you are capable of greatness?

I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions. What I have shared are my own personal thoughts and it’s quite alright if yours are different. Take a moment and share them. Let’s have a fun discussion on this topic.

I appreciate YOU!

Keeping It Real,

Scott Tousigant

Scott Tousignant

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