Does it sometimes feel like all the super-fit people are trolling you with their online workouts?

You are minding your own business, tapping through Snapchat or Instagram, and then you see your friends' posts: “I feel awesome after my eight-mile run!”, “Just killed my morning circuit class and it's not even 6am!!!!!”

Inevitably, you start to feel guilty about not working out.

There are many people who like to share their fitness journey. They post about their workouts on social media for a variety of reasons, and that's their right.

In fact, many people who post workout selfies are not always posting to show off but to celebrate small victories of their own. In doing so they hope to motivate and engage their followers but – regardless of their intent – sometimes it can feel like the posts aren't meant to inspire you; they are just rubbing their achievements and discipline in your face.

Sometimes, the posts feel like a personal attack even though the person did not mean for them to feel that way.

However the truth is, your reaction is probably more about you than it is about them. Even though the post may seem like they are bragging, think about why you feel so irritated by it. Sometimes seeing various posts can cause us to have negative feelings towards ourselves; we can start to feel envious because we start to compare ourselves to someone else.

Generally however, people like to share their experiences because they know that some of their followers find them rewarding.

If someone says something to you or sends you a personal message about their workout plans, try and recognise that they are seeking your attention and make an attempt to connect with them. Try not to feel that they are trying to demonstrate their superiority. You don't have to go overboard in acknowledging their efforts however a basic “Good luck, cool” or “You look like you are killing your goals” could work for a response.

At the end of the day we all want to be seen in some way. Even though it's not your duty to congratulate someone for their workout, it really doesn't cost very much to give somebody a little pat on the back.

If seeing a celebrity or a friend´s fitness-related post is still annoying you, just unfollow them. However for the people you actually know, the good news is if you do choose to answer or engage with their post, it might boost up the person enough that they will leave you alone.

Stay encouraged on your own journey and B-Active For Life!

Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience. Look for B. ActiveForLife on Facebook