By Melissa Hartman, MS, ACSM-EP, ATC
A while ago, I spent nearly two hours with a new client carefully reviewing his fitness goals, discussing the best path forward, and designing a workout plan to help him achieve those goals. I explained the rationale behind each exercise, how we would gradually progress, and answered all of his questions. After nearly two hours of thoughtful discussion and planning, we had a plan we both felt good about — or so I thought.
The very next day, he showed up to our first workout session holding the latest copy of Men’s Fitness. “Why aren’t we doing all these exercises?” he asked. “I made it clear I want to be like these weightlifters!”
Despite my thorough explanations about how our custom plan would help him reach his goals in a safe and effective way, he wasn’t convinced. He thought I was “ignorant” and decided not to train with me anymore.
This experience was an extreme example of what can happen when someone is influenced by flashy content but lacks information on how to achieve their specific goals. Although most of us get our workout ideas from social media these days instead of magazines, the results can still be the same.
The person on your screen might look young, fit, strong, happy, or mobile. They might have an impressive physique or seem like they’re living their best life, and it’s easy to think that you should be doing what they’re doing. After all, they look great — so surely their method must work, right?
But here’s the thing: just because someone looks great on screen doesn’t mean what they’re doing is right for you.
The Problem with Blindly Following Fitness Trends
There’s so much good content out there — but the truth is, you need to know how to filter it. I love scrolling through social media and admiring the strength and mobility of some athletes and trainers. However, the difference between someone like me and someone just looking at exercises on Instagram is that I know what my clients can do, what works for them, and how to modify exercises to fit their unique needs.
As your coach, my job is to know you, your body, your goals, and your limitations, and create a program tailored specifically to you. It’s about choosing exercises that will move you toward your goals safely and effectively, not just following what everyone else is doing online.
While it can be frustrating when a client wants to try a workout they saw online, I understand the drive to learn and empower yourself. I applaud anyone who wants to take control of their fitness and seek out new information. However, it’s crucial that you have an educated professional who can help you filter out the noise and choose what’s right for you. I love answering your questions and helping integrate ideas you might find online, as long as they fit your needs and abilities.
But if you’re going to dive into social media fitness trends, here are four key questions you should ask yourself before jumping on the bandwagon:
1. What’s the Actual Content?
Anyone can post anything online, and many people do so with the goal of getting clicks. Be cautious of flashy titles and thumbnails that don’t match the actual content. If the intro or the headline is misleading or doesn’t match what’s being discussed in the post, that’s a red flag. It’s always better to take a second look and be sure you’re getting accurate and useful information.
2. What Makes Them Credible?
Just because someone looks good doesn’t mean they’re qualified to teach you how to train. Genetics can certainly play a role in how someone looks, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they know how to help you achieve your fitness goals. When choosing a fitness influencer or trainer to follow, check if they have the credentials to back up their advice.
Look for certifications like ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), or NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). The NSCA and ACSM, for example, require a degree in exercise science or a related field to sit for their exams. These certifications ensure that the trainer understands how to create safe and effective programs based on science, not just what they like to do themselves.
3. Do They Provide Movement Cues?
When watching a workout video, ask yourself: Are they explaining how to do the movements properly? I’ve often watched videos on YouTube, and I can’t help but think, “Thank goodness I already know how to do that exercise, because they’re not even talking about form.” Poor form can lead to injury, and injury is one of the most significant setbacks in any fitness journey. So, make sure that the trainer or influencer is offering clear, actionable cues to help you perform each movement correctly.
4. Are They Like You?
It’s easy to be inspired by someone who looks young, strong, and fit — but are they truly relatable to you? If they’re much more advanced than you or have different goals, injuries, or mobility limitations, their advice may not be the best fit. For example, I love following KaisaFit on Instagram. While I’ll never have her strength or move the way she does, she has a Master’s degree and shares exercises for beginners, making her content relevant to a broad audience.
Are you a beginner? Do you have any injuries or chronic conditions? If the person you’re following doesn’t provide modifications or alternatives for people with similar issues, they may not be the best fit to guide you.
So, What Now?
Social media can be an excellent resource for inspiration, but it’s essential to use it wisely. Always approach trends with a healthy dose of skepticism and take the time to understand the reasoning behind any exercise program. If you’re not sure if something is right for you, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance.
Ready to Get Your Personalized Plan?
If you’re tired of chasing trends and are ready to take control of your fitness with a program that works for YOU, book a free consultation with me today. Let’s talk about your goals, discuss your challenges, and create a plan that’s as unique as you are. Together, we’ll make sure you’re on the path to real results, not just chasing the next shiny thing.