We constantly see images of fit women in our social media streams. Sometimes their messages inspire, sometimes they chide us into getting off our duffs. But can these images do more harm than good?

In this panel, we’ll dissect the anatomy of a Fitspo image, from the great to the good to the ugly. Should Moms show off their incredible bodies with the phrase “No excuses”?  Do midriff-baring women, posed provocatively over a set of weights, really inspire someone to start working out?

There are social impacts to consider. Do these images create impossible standards? Do women attempt workouts they aren’t physically capable of because these images say they are attainable? Is it psychologically healthy to view these images on a daily basis? What are the long-term effects of Fitspo on our psyches?

But these images must have some positive effect or they wouldn’t be so popular. What  traits make for a popular and positive Fitspo? And, how can you create an inspiring image that you can share with your audience? We’ll talk about that too.

We’d love for you to join us for our panel discussion as we look to answer all these questions. As bloggers, we have a commitment to our readers to act in a way that motivates and supports them. Let’s come up with the best ways to do this so that ultimately our blogs and our audience will be better for it.

The Panel

Andrea Metcalf. How brave can you be? How about embracing your body so heartily that you develop Naked Fitness as a workout routine. Not about shaming, but about embracing the whole, true, powerful you. Andrea has done that and more as a fitness correspondent and an all-around tour-de-force.

Carla Birnberg. A seasoned blogger at CarlaBirnberg.com, she loathes the word “skinny” and loves the word “strong.” Carla is a tremendous force for positive imagery in the fitness industry. She has journeyed from being overweight to a personal trainer and now a blogger and Mom. Carla has a knack for poking holes in over-the-top fitness memes with kindness and humor.

Annabel Adams–Annabel Adams is the Los-Angeles-based writer and PR strategist behind the blog Feed Me, I’m Cranky. On her blog, she discusses life after a 150-lb weight-loss, food & obesity politics, Health At Every Size and vegan food. When she’s not blogging, she’s the director of communications for H.U.M.A.N. (“Helping Unite Mankind And Nutrition”) and the founder of Madcap PR. Annabel has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Fitness, Health, and Redbook magazines. Find Annabel on as @FeedmeI’mCranky1.

Lisa Johnson. Lisa has been a Pilates instructor since 1998 and a fitness blogger since 2008. She is constantly combating fitness myths with actual science and research. She has a popular YouTube channel featuring workouts and healthy living advice for real people.