Why I Don't Use Before and After Photos With Clients
Before and after photos are a popular way to showcase transformations in the fitness world. However, they can be misleading and fail to capture the full picture of someone's health and fitness journey. Here’s why I avoid using them:
Manipulated Reality
Photos can be easily manipulated to present a false reality. Often, these photos are taken at the low point of a person’s journey and at the peak. They don't show the middle, which is arguably the most important part of any transformation. The highs and lows don’t represent the daily struggles and triumphs that make up the majority of a fitness journey.
Tricks of the Trade
Lighting, angles, and photo editing can significantly alter appearances. Even if someone isn't intentionally trying to deceive, most of us tweak photos just a bit. A slight change in lighting or angle can make a huge difference. This creates an unrealistic expectation for what can be achieved without such manipulations.
True Measures of Success
Real change should be measured in health and lifestyle improvements, not just visual changes. What you measure is what you value. I want my clients to measure their health, happiness, and overall well-being, not just their looks. Focusing solely on appearance can lead to unhealthy behaviors and disappointment.
Progress Over Time
The focus should be on progress over time rather than instant transformations. The lifetime outcome is far more important than the 30-day or 3-month changes often highlighted in before and after photos. Sustainable progress that enhances one's quality of life should be the goal.
Trust and Transparency
Trust and transparency are essential in any transformation journey. Before and after photos often feature only the top 2 or 3 clients out of 20 or 30. This cherry-picking doesn't represent the average experience and can lead to unrealistic expectations. Most clients, even if they don't achieve dramatic visual changes, will see significant health benefits like increased strength and better overall wellness.
Examples of Misleading Photos
Short-Term Challenges: Many challenges show the start and end of a transformation, usually over 30 days to 3 months. What about a year out from the challenge, or even five? This short-term focus doesn't account for long-term sustainability.
Bodybuilders: Bodybuilders often peak for a day, using extreme methods that are neither healthy nor sustainable. The discipline needed to maintain such a physique long-term is not feasible for the general population, yet these are the images used in marketing.
In summary, while before and after photos might seem motivating, they can be misleading and set unrealistic expectations. True transformation is about long-term health and wellness, and this is what I encourage my clients to focus on. Let's measure success by how we feel, move, and live, not just how we look.