I know I am going to get some flack for this one, but something needs to be said. Your favorite social media influencer is not what they make themselves out to be! Yes, they may have your goal body, muscle build or following; but I am here to tell you that most of that is a front. The information being shared from these “influencers” often have no scientific backing and are predominantly false. Here are 3 reasons to avoid those Fitness influencers!
Reason #1: They pray on your insecurities
Yes, you read that right. Often times, social media influencers pray on your insecurities. If I had a nickel for every time I saw a post that spoke around “blasting belly fat” or “toning those triceps”, I wouldn’t have to work another day in my life. These influencers get you hooked in on their scheme by speaking on the areas of your body that you are most insecure about. This gets you to buy into their product which will ultimately leave you feeling more frustrated and no closer to your goals
Reason #2: They spread misinformation
By a show of hands, how many of you have seen an influencer post about the latest “detox” tea or “metabolism boosting” diet? I hate to break it to you, but those things are all based along false or unproven science that again are used to get you hooked into whatever they are selling. Take it from a professional in the industry; if it sounds too good to be true, odds are it is.
Reason #3: They often do not have training in what they are talking about
I see this one more often than not in this industry. Someone who has a 6-pack abs thinks that they know what they are talking about with no formal education on the topic of fitness. There is a drastic difference between looks and knowledge. Some of the greatest coaches I have ever had the privilege to work with did not have the most lean or muscular bodies. Just because someone looks a certain way, does not give them the credibility to speak on fitness.
So, who should you follow?
That is the great question. With so many social media profiles out there, who should you follow? I use a pretty simple rule that holds true about 95% of the time. If the person you are looking at has information around fitness that seems to “follow what everyone else is saying” and doesn’t have a photo of them flexing with their shirt off or showing an angled booty shot, I would say go for it! There are obviously exceptions to that rule, but for a vast majority this will hold true. Don’t believe me? Here is something to check out: Squat University vs. the Liver King. One will speak on sound techniques and proper training principles, the other will speak on ancestral tenants and many shirtless photos. Make sure you are practicing safe social media following practices!
Ryegate Strength 