Buzz
Fitness Instagram is a diverse space, filled with athletes pushing their limits, coaches promoting their services, and models earning a living. Not everyone in this world is a genuine fitness expert, so if you're seeking workout tips on platforms like Insta or YouTube, it's important to ask yourself some critical questions.
What is this individual suggesting without directly stating it?
A common unspoken claim made by many fitness influencers is that: the product I’m promoting will guarantee you the physique you see here.
The reality is that those who make a career out of fitness achieved their impressive physiques before they began marketing workout programs or supplements. Once you've built a solid physique, you can sell almost anything—like a jar of sawdust—and people will connect the dots, thinking it's a muscle-building product. Similarly, if you have a toned body, you can market a diet plan, and people will assume following it will give them a physique like yours.
To be completely transparent: steroid use is relatively common among athletes in non-drug tested sports, or those who don't compete professionally. However, since it’s illegal for recreational use in the U.S., many avoid discussing it. (Though there are exceptions: here's a before-and-after post from sport scientist and bodybuilder Mike Israetel where he subtly contrasts his “natural” years with those when he was “otherwise.”)
Keep in mind that influencers often rely on photo editing tools—such as Photoshop, FaceTune, and others—to alter their appearance, making themselves look thinner (or curvier) as needed. Posing to highlight specific body areas is also an art form, one that can be taken to extreme levels, as journalist Danae Mercer highlights in several eye-opening tutorials on her feed. And if you're eyeing influencers promoting booty workout programs, remember: butt implants are a thing.
What’s this person’s true area of expertise?
If someone is selling diet plans, workout routines, or coaching services, they should have verifiable credentials—whether formal or not. For instance, a personal training certification from a reputable organization like ACE, ACSM, NSCA, or one accredited by the NCAA is a good sign. Some trainers may lack formal certifications but have the experience of coaching top athletes or gaining endorsements from respected professionals. These subjective connections are most valuable if you discover the trainer through recommendations: for instance, if a number of your favorite powerlifters are trained by the same person, that person may be a great resource for you.
Keep in mind that exercise and nutrition are distinct areas. If someone is offering nutritional advice, verify whether they are a registered dietitian or hold a comparable qualification. In many regions, the title “nutritionist” is not legally regulated, whereas registered dietitians are recognized professionals with extensive training and expertise.
Along with the unspoken myth about body image, there's another similar one that goes like: Science proves I’m right. This one is trickier to spot, as evidence-based advice is crucial, and many professionals openly share the sources of their information and how it influences their guidance. However, some people craft their message first and selectively present studies to support their narrative.
Does this individual maintain a consistent, somewhat predictable message?
The reality of fitness advice is often, to be honest, quite simple. If you want to shed pounds, you need to consume fewer calories. To build muscle, you need to lift progressively heavier weights. To improve in a sport, you must put in consistent effort over the long term.
True experts—whether on Instagram or elsewhere—are transparent about this. They will discuss the challenges of staying consistent and offer practical tips to help with smaller issues you may encounter. They might also showcase their successes: before-and-after photos of themselves or clients, or highlight peak performances in competitions.
What they don’t do is make sweeping claims about a single workout or type of exercise being the ultimate solution. They also don’t present exercises or routines as quick fixes. If you switch up your workout every day, you might have fun and move your body—which is one basic goal achieved. However, that’s not the same as following a structured program that will bring you closer to your goals. Anyone can post a few moves and call it a booty workout or a magic formula for bicep growth, but real, lasting results come from consistent training over time.
