Can You Trust Fitness Influencers? Here’s How to Know
Whether you love to hate them or hate to love them, fitness influencers have become an unignorable and inevitable presence in our lives. But do they all deserve our trust? Here's how to determine who to trust and who to unfollow.
Do Fitfluencers Deserve Your Trust? Weighing the Facts
Love them or love to hate them, fitness influencers have become an undeniable part of our lives. Whether you’re scrolling on Instagram, TikTok, or any other social media platform, you’re bound to come across fitness influencers sharing their workouts, supplements, daily routines, favorite products, and flaunting their perfectly sculpted bodies.
But can we really trust all of them? How do we separate the genuine experts from the self-proclaimed ones? To find out, we spoke with Maria Leguizamon, a certified personal trainer and fitness influencer. With more than 145K followers on Instagram, she knows a thing or two about earning trust in the fitness influencer world. Now let’s dive into the world of fitness influencers and learn how to filter out the truth from the filtered Instagram pics.
Can I Trust Fitness Influencers?
The answer is: it depends. While the number of views, shares, and likes can seem like indicators of trustworthiness, they’re far from reliable. According to Leguizamon, it’s more about the results, community, and expertise that matter.
“It’s about seeing the results you get from their advice and their commitment to their community,” explains Leguizamon. A good influencer is not only an expert in their field but is also engaged and passionate about their followers. It’s about more than just money or follower count.
How to Spot Info You Shouldn’t Trust — Even if It Has 1.1 Million Likes
When it comes to fitness content on social media, it’s essential to be skeptical. Here are some questions to ask yourself when evaluating the legitimacy of advice:
- The Power of Anaerobic Exercise: Benefits, How It Works, and Examples
- Metaphors, Exaggeration, and Puns: Making Health and Psychology Eng...
- Going Vegan: The Secret to a Better Life
Is it a quick fix?
Beware of workouts promising a bubble butt in 2 weeks or a hack to lose 10 pounds in a week. Lasting change takes time, and quick fixes are rarely sustainable. Leguizamon raises a valid point when she questions fitness influencers charging exorbitant amounts of money for programs or advice.
Is it obviously dangerous or ridiculous?
If the advice leaves you shaking your head or raising your eyebrows, it’s a red flag. For example, the trend of dry scooping pre-workout powder has been linked to serious health risks like heart attacks.
What makes this person an expert?
Having a muscular body doesn’t automatically make someone a fitness expert. Look for influencers who have relevant certifications and qualifications like certified personal trainers, physical therapists, orthopedic doctors, or registered dietitians. These professionals have in-depth knowledge of body mechanics, injury prevention, proper form, and nutrition.
Top 5 Things Influencers Get Wrong on Social Media
Here are a few common misconceptions that fitness influencers often propagate:
1. Form, form, form
Proper form is crucial to prevent injuries while exercising. Beware of influencers who ignore or don’t emphasize proper form. Look for influencers who demonstrate correct form and breathing techniques in their workouts.
2. Lack of evidence
Not all workout routines found on the internet are created equal. Verify that the routines come from professionals who understand effective training methodologies. Don’t rely solely on cute workout routine images on platforms like Pinterest.
3. “Weightlifting will make you bulky”
One major misconception perpetuated by certain influencers is that weightlifting will make you bulky. Leguizamon dispels this myth by highlighting that lifting weights can help you become stronger, toned, and build muscle. Gaining excessive muscle mass is a complex process that requires specific nutrition and hormonal factors.
4. Wild supplement claims
Fitness influencers often collaborate with supplement companies and promote products. While not all brand collaborations are untrustworthy, it’s essential to do your own research before purchasing supplements. Look for supplements that follow FDA standards and are third-party tested for purity and quality.
5. Body transformations
While it’s inspiring to follow fitness influencers for advice or inspiration, don’t aim to have a body exactly like theirs. Influencer content is often heavily edited and staged, creating an illusion of perfection. Embrace your unique body and focus on sustainable weight loss or realistic workout routines.
Where to Get Credible Fitness Info
When it comes to fitness information, it’s important to rely on credible sources. Alongside influencers, consider these sources for reliable fitness info:
These organizations provide evidence-based information and can also help you connect with certified professionals.
In conclusion, being a fitness influencer is a job, and while most of them aren’t intentionally misleading, it’s essential to approach their advice with a critical eye. Trust but verify! When in doubt, seek guidance from certified experts who have the knowledge and qualifications to guide you towards achieving your fitness goals.
Now, go ahead and unfollow those influencers who don’t meet the credibility criteria. Your fitness journey deserves expert advice and reliable information!
Q&A
Q: Can you recommend any other reliable sources for fitness information?
A: Apart from influencers and organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise, you can also consider reputable health and fitness websites such as:
These sources provide evidence-backed articles, expert opinions, and in-depth guides on various fitness topics.
Q: Are there any specific studies or research papers that support the claims made in this article?
A: While this article provides general guidance and insights based on the expertise of fitness professionals, there isn’t a list of specific studies or research papers referenced. However, the advice aligns with established principles of fitness, nutrition, and injury prevention. If you’re interested in exploring the scientific literature further, you can search databases like PubMed or consult research papers from reputable journals in the field.
Q: Are there any controversies or ongoing debates related to fitness advice from influencers?
A: The world of fitness advice is vast and constantly evolving, leading to ongoing debates and differing opinions among experts. One ongoing debate revolves around the effectiveness of specific workout methods or diet approaches. For example, the debate between high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs. steady-state cardio for weight loss and cardiovascular fitness. These debates highlight the importance of considering individual goals, preferences, and body types when choosing a fitness regimen.
Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to navigating the world of fitness influencers. Share this article with your friends and help them become educated consumers of fitness advice. Stay healthy, stay informed, and don’t forget to hit those double-taps for the right reasons! 💪💯📚
Reference List
- American College of Sports Medicine
- American Council on Exercise
- Healthline
- Mayo Clinic
- WebMD
- Verywell Fit
