Want to know how I got a flat tummy in 30 days? Me too! I would love to know when the results shown in the photo below never happened to me in 30 days.
Over the weekend I received an email from a fellow blogger, thank you Sia, notifying me that another blogger was using one of my before and after photos to promote a 30 Day Ab Challenge for a flat tummy. The image was quickly gaining traction on Pinterest.
This made my jaw drop. I felt like I had finally made it as a “blogger”. My work was stolen and used without my consent.
And just so we are all clear on my work here, I mean selfies taken on my iPhone in the bathroom mirror.
I know it is probably lame that I got excited about this, but what is it that they say about flattery? 😉
Anyway, as flattered as I am that someone used my photo to promote their fitness challenge, I wish that my image had not been used in this way.
THIS FIRM FLAT TUMMY IS NOT FROM A 30 DAY AB CHALLENGE
I highly dislike the idea of people seeing that picture of my midsection and thinking that by doing a 30 Day Ab Challenge they can achieve those same results. Let’s chat about the photo for a second. Here is the original. As you can see the dates had been cropped out.
These two photos were taken 18 months apart. Not 30 days. This before and after photo was 547 days in the making.
In October of 2011 I had just found out I was pregnant. There was no flat tummy happening for numerous months between these photos.
I exercised throughout my entire pregnancy and my diet was very healthy. I also taught several group fitness and yoga classes weekly.
After my son was born I updated my progress monthly but two years ago decided to remove most of those posts for fear of my images being stolen to promote products I don’t use or believe in. My 10 Month After Baby Stats post is still published if you would like to read it.
On a side note, this photo created quite the controversial stir back in May of 2013 when I guest posted on FitLife.Tv. The majority of the comments about my article were not about the article itself but targeted this same photo. You can read all about this in my post The Problem with Body Bashing.
I did not do a 30 Day Ab Challenge for these results. When I workout I don’t ever focus on only my “abs”. I do however work my core and focus on all the muscles from the shoulders down to the quads.
I do NOT think there is anything wrong with my before picture. I love my flat tummy in both photos and I love my tummy now.
HOW TO SPOT A FAKE
I also really dislike the fact that the image was used by another “personal trainer” to promote themselves. There are tons of fitness bloggers on the internet who claim to be a personal trainer yet do not share how they are certified. This is a huge red flag. If a trainer is not forth coming in a Bio or About Section of their blog or website on the certifications they hold do not look any further into buying a program from them or paying for online coaching. This industry is super competitive and trainers pay $$$ each year to keep their certs current and have liability insurance. Legit trainers have certs and will place that information in an easy to find location on their website.
The next time you see a before and after picture that looks a little to good to be true, it is probably because it is too good to be true. Many supplement companies and fitness brands grow because of the success they have with sharing before and after photos. While reputable trainers and fitness bloggers use their own clients before and afters there are many Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook accounts who are looking to promote their at home business by “stealing” someones hard earned before and after photo.
Before you Pin, Share, Double Tap, or Buy when you see another before and after photo determine first if it is from a legitimate source. Please remember, a firm flat tummy happens over time and with consistent effort and dedication both in the gym and in the kitchen. Not from being able to copy and paste a photo of another persons hard work.
Wow! That kind of stealing makes me so mad, and not just because of the fact that they used it in a misleading way. I cannot stand people who steal from others who work hard for what they have. I hope you were able to get Pinterest to take it down!
Thanks Erica! I did file a notice with Pinterest and hopefully they will be able to remove the pin. I think this one is going to be a wash because so many people have already shared and pinned to their boards. This is the reason I started watermarking all my more recent before and after photos or any photo I think might have the potential to be used without my permission.
How terrible that someone stole your pictures, that’s so frustrating! Flattering but unethical. I noticed you’re offering an online program, are you still offering online personal programs? I have some physical limitations that make the current program a challenge.
Wow, that’s crazy that people are always stealing photos like that. I guess it just reminds me that men and women are not basically good, and we all need Jesus to change us. I’m glad you found that out.
So sorry that your photos were stolen and misconstrued… This was a good post to let others know the truth behind the pictures. Keep on keeping on!
I see that all the time in the fitness industry and it makes me really mad also! I am sorry to hear that the pics were taken. I think you can actually take legal action on that. Original pics are a big deal online
Hi lady! Just now seeing this-awesome blog post all the way through! You know you’ve hit it big when someone is impressed enough by your ab photos lol. All kidding aside, it’s so disgraceful, but try not to let it get you down. You’re doing a wonderful work and people look up to you-that cannot be said about the other blogger, who’s been called it numerous times (I had to threaten legal action against her for stealing not only my ab photos, but a booty photo too) which is how I even noticed your photo! Always a great idea to keep an eye out, but luckily there are people out there who will recognize your work and let you know ASAP 😉 And yeah I had to have a few rude awakenings before I started watermarking my images.. It’s sad we even have to think about it! Big hugs to you girl!