How the Fitness Industry Flops on Social Media

I’ve spent the past 8 weeks praising digital media and what it has done for the fitness industry. Social media makes it simple to find motivation, discover new workouts, learn how to best nourish your body to reach your goals, and find a community of people who are working towards bettering themselves as well. However, as with most things, there is an undeniable downside to social media as it relates to the fitness industry. I think it would be negligent of me not to acknowledge these negative aspects, so here is what you should be aware of when you find yourself thrust down the “fitstagram” rabbit hole.

1.       Poses, filters, and photoshop: People on social media want to look their best. A person’s profile is more than likely their own personal highlight reel of life. This is worth taking note of. Nine times out of ten, people are going to post their best angles and hide their trouble areas. Nobody is perfect but editing apps and filters give people the ability to pretend that they are.

2.       Conflicting Info: There are a tonnnn of fitness influencers on social media. Some of them have multiple degrees in fitness and nutrition related fields, some are certified personal trainers, and some have no official training. With that said, these individuals have one thing in common – they all want to share their knowledge with their audience. The issue with this is that the advice they give can be different across the board and contradictory. While counting macros may work for one person, and fasted cardio may work for another, there is no universal fix. Bear this in mind when you’re tempted to go Vegan just because your favorite influencer says it’s the healthiest thing.

3.       Increased Comparison: Ever heard the saying, “Comparison is the thief of joy?” Well I think Teddy Roosevelt was onto something when he coined that phrase. As previously mentioned, people are displaying the best version of themselves on social media. Since that is all you see, it is incredibly easy to compare yourself to the “success” of others. When you compare yourself, you inevitably get down on yourself and fail to recognize your own progress and personal improvements. So, with that said, I implore you to stop the comparison game (it isn’t fun), and keep doing you because you’re doing great.

                Don’t get me wrong, I think social media is awesome, and it has been instrumental in helping me stay motivated, but these are the negatives I struggle with all. the. time. And if you’re anything like me, then you might too. So next time you’re scrolling through your Instagram feed or spending your afternoon watching YouTube videos swearing up and down that these people are #goals, take it all with a grain of salt. Keep a clear head, don’t be deceived, and feel confident knowing that nobody is “social media perfect.”   

*Before I wrap things up, there are tons of fit superstars who are doing their part to put these practices to rest, but as an entire society, I think we have some ways to go.