Should We Trust Fitfluencers? Their Advice Can Be Dangerous, Experts Say (Popsugar)

Posted: Mar 26, 2024 in In the News

This article originally appeared in Popsugar on March 26, 2024.

 

Should We Trust Fitfluencers? Their Advice Can Be Dangerous, Experts Say

By Kaley Rohlinger

You've probably seen them in your feed at some point or another: traditionally healthy, fit, muscled young people, sharing fitness tips, workout routines, and smoothie recipes. Their workout sets always match, and despite the challenging workout routines they share, they almost never look sweaty. Who are they? Fitfluencers: influencers who have built their following by sharing a range of wellness and fitness content.

We live in an era when anyone and everyone can claim to be an expert, especially on social media. But with hundreds and thousands of people claiming to have the key to a healthier, more fit you, how do you sort the actual experts from the fakes?

While fitfluencers, like social media, are not inherently good or bad, when it comes to fitness content, it's especially important to be able to spot creators without actual credentials so you can take their advice with a grain of salt.

"Non-accredited influencers may inadvertently promote unsafe practices, unrealistic expectations, and quick-fix solutions," says Sabrena Jo, PhD, an ACE-certified trainer. This misinformation can lead to discouragement about your own results at best, and injury at worst. 

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