You would expect me to support any form of exercise (within reason!) However, I have just come across some research by Confused.com which suggests that not all sources of exercise are equal in the benefits they bring.

It is becoming more widely recognised and promoted that looking after your body and mind is the best thing for your health and wellbeing… At least the message is getting across! But I believe that it is incumbent upon fitness professionals to advise anyone, whether they are new to exercising or are “old hands”, that there are many coaching options available – but not all are as effective or time/money efficient.

Research by Innova Market Insights tells us that in the UK approximately 64% of the population is
seeking out and following the latest trends in health and/or wellbeing, aided by a myriad of online sources. Their research also shows that the great British public is fairly sceptical about social media as a
medium of accurate information; questioning influencer-promoted and “viral” health trends in particular.

In addition, other research shows that almost 1/5 people in the UK who go online for their
fitness guidance wish they hadn’t. It appears that the unknown or dubious quality of the sources (TikTok; Instagram; Mix etc.) means that much of the advice is thought to be unqualified and untested.

I want to make it clear that I am not including online fitness apps or websites delivered by
professionally-qualified coaches in my analysis. As we acknowledge, there are many such
resources available which are of the highest quality with impeccable credentials and track records.
Let’s face it, for every “dissatisfied online customer” there are no doubt many more happy ones who believe they get all they need from their online fitness resource ( it is likely that
this refers to online classes through reputable websites).

Of course, the quality of health and fitness influencers on social media can vary significantly; while
some provide valuable advice and promote positive health behaviours, others may spread
misinformation or unrealistic body images, which can negatively impact mental health.
It’s important to critically evaluate the credibility and expertise of these influencers before following
their guidance.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of following social media and viral fitness trends.

Positive Aspects
Behaviour Change: Many followers of health influencers report increased physical activity
and healthier eating habits, such as consuming more fruits and vegetables.
Engagement: Influencers are often perceived as credible and relatable, which can enhance
their effectiveness in promoting health behaviours.
Negative Aspects
Mental Health Risks: Following health influencers can lead to increased anxiety and
depression among followers. This is particularly true for those who engage with content that
promotes unrealistic body images or the “fit ideal.”
Misinformation: Not all influencers have the necessary expertise. Many are fitness enthusiasts who share health advice without proper qualifications, which can lead to the spread of inaccurate or oversimplified
health messages.

Influencer Impact on :	Potential Positive Impact	Potential Negative Impact
Physical Activity	Increased exercise levels through readily accessible videos	Compulsive exercise behaviours through unregulated use and lack of guidance
Dietary Habits	improved diet through 1000s of meal ideas and online recipes	Potential for disordered eating through lack of understanding re nutrition, individual energy needs and celebrating extreme diets
Mental Health	Improved well-being for some through feeling empowered in the ‘comfort of their own home’	Increased anxiety and depression through lack of personalised, direct support
Body Image	Motivation to exercise – start seeing positive changes	Body dissatisfaction and negative self-image if images/videos are heavily edited/unrealistic/idealistic

So, after all this, I think research, allied with a modicum of common sense, would strongly indicate
that fitness trends on social media may be effective motivators for people to kick-start training, to use for inspiration or as an fun alternative when travelling, for example. However, they should be combined with professionally designed training by qualified instructors – either through their online apps/websites or with face-to-face Personal Trainers who get to know YOU and tailor to your unique self – through the ups and the downs!

I recommend using the latter… but I would say that, wouldn’t I?

Research and Acknowledgements
www.healthclubmanagement.co.uk
www.elle.com/beauty/health-fitness
www.psychreg.org
www.exercise.com
https://viewerdigest.com