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The Ethics of Fitness Influencing: Promoting Healthy Standards or Unrealistic Expectations?



How I Got Hooked on Fitness Influencers

    I still remember the first time I fell down the rabbit hole of fitness social media. There was a famous influencer with millions of followers who kept popping up on my timeline. Their appearance was flawless—sharp six-pack abs, smooth skin, and workout videos that seemed so effortless. I thought, if they can do it, I surely can too.

Excitedly, I began following all their recommendations—from meal plans to gym routines. I even spent extra money on the supplements they promoted. However, after months of trying, I noticed little to no significant changes in my body. Frustration started to creep in, and I began to question myself: Is there something wrong with me?

Mirza and His Experience with Online Programs

    At this point, I met Mirza, a friend at the gym who had a similar experience. He shared how he once purchased a workout program from a well-known influencer.

“It wasn’t cheap, but I thought it would be worth it,” he said. However, after a few weeks of following the program, Mirza started to notice something odd.

“It turned out the program was too generic. They claimed it was ‘customized,’ but it was the same for everyone. Nothing was tailored to my needs or abilities,” he explained.

Mirza also realized that the influencer’s impressive results weren’t solely due to their training and diet. Genetics played a significant role, and in some cases, there might have even been steroid use involved. His experience taught me an important lesson: the world of fitness social media is often more about marketing than actual health.

Unrealistic Standards on Social Media

    One of the biggest issues with fitness influencing is the unrealistic standards it sets. Most influencers only showcase their best sides: perfect bodies, effortless workouts, and glamorous lifestyles. Yet, they rarely talk about the struggles behind the scenes—such as the time spent on strict diets, the side effects of certain supplements, or the mental pressure to maintain a flawless image. The many case i found that excessive consumption of social media content can lead to body image issues, especially among teenagers and young adults. This happens because we tend to compare ourselves to others without understanding the context behind the images we see. You can see this video from Global News channel : 


Photo Manipulation and Dubious Products

    One particular case I read about involved an influencer caught editing their photos to make their muscles look more defined. There have also been instances where influencers promoted supplements with unproven claims, solely because they were paid by brands.

These examples made me wonder: Do they genuinely care about their followers’ health, or do they just see us as an opportunity to make money?

What I Learned from This Experience

    This experience taught me to be more critical about the content I consume. I now focus on accounts that provide science-based information and are transparent about their process. One example is a fitness expert who frequently emphasizes the importance of consistency over instant results. Mirza’s words also stuck with me: “Fitness is a personal journey. You don’t have to look like someone else to feel successful. Just focus on your own progress.”

Final Message

The world of fitness influencing isn’t entirely bad. There are many influencers who genuinely care and provide positive value. However, as consumers, we need to be smart and critical. Don’t be easily swayed, and always question the context behind seemingly perfect claims. Most importantly, remember that there is no such thing as an ideal body. What truly matters is having a healthy and strong body that works for you. Focus on yourself because your happiness and health should always come first.

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