How Toxic Are Gym Influencers?

By: Aaliyah Michael, Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good

Social media influencers have become the go-to experts on all things fitness-related. Whether it’s advice on what to eat or how to work out, many people look to gym influencers to inform their fitness and exercise goals. 

Unfortunately, unrealistic standards of “peak performance” often leave social media users asking themselves, “Why aren’t I as productive as them?” or “Will I ever reach my goals?” Although it may be more convenient and affordable to trust the advice of a gym influencer, viewing their content on a regular basis can become harmful to our mental and physical health if we aren’t careful. 

No(Body) Is Perfect

The Distorted Reality of Fitness Influencers

If you look at any popular gym influencer’s post, you’ll likely see it flooded with adoring comments like “body goals” and “you’re perfect.” 

Social media has distorted our idea of what a healthy body looks like, and the glorification of seemingly flawless bodies and strict diets can be detrimental to our health and body image. Followers of gym influencers may feel pressured to lose a dangerous amount of weight or push their body far past its limits during a workout, resulting in injuries or eating disorders.* 

On the other end of the spectrum, some viewers feel discouraged by influencers’ unattainable standards, leading them to abandon their diet and exercise goals altogether. For instance, one may feel insecure and unmotivated to go to the gym or exercise in public settings. 

In some cases, feelings of insecurity lead to isolation. Distancing oneself from friends and family to “glow up” or hyper-focus on a fitness goal can be dangerous. Even distancing oneself out of shame over one’s physical appearance can lead to poor mental health. 

It’s important to remember that social media does not give us a full, accurate picture of reality. Gym influencer accounts tend to represent a limited range of body shapes and types, some of which only appear to be healthier than they actually are. A study published by BMC Public Health found that two-thirds of popular fitness accounts promoted “unhealthy or unrealistic body shapes.” Additionally, many of the influencers’ photos were heavily edited or filtered to appear thinner.

Do You Live at the Gym?

The Pressure on Gym Influencers

These toxic standards don’t just affect the viewers; they impact the influencers themselves. Social media influencers are pressured to post almost constantly in order to keep up engagement numbers, which frequently leads to toxic productivity. For gym influencers, this may mean they’re overworking their bodies to the point of exhaustion. Going to the gym daily — or even four times a week — can be taxing mentally and physically.

Some gym influencers go to extremes for engagement. According to Mikaela Lewis from The Michigan Daily, “One standard for so-called ‘gym rats’ is achieving a bench press of 225 pounds…In a room of 1,000 American men and women with varying experience, statistics indicate that less than four people [emphasis added] are likely capable of benching 225 pounds. Needless to say, the standard to consider oneself a gym rat is actually a major achievement.”

Check Your Digital Health

How to Navigate Fitness Content Responsibly

If you’re already watching “gymfluencers,” you don’t need to click “unfollow” just yet. However, it is important to be mindful of how this type of content is affecting your health and your feelings about yourself. Before taking health and fitness advice from social media, we must first establish a healthy relationship with social media. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Digital Literacy

This practice helps social media users avoid misinformation and think critically about the information they come across online. For instance, when watching fitness content on social media, try adopting a reasonably skeptical mindset: Ask yourself, how much authority does this influencer have on the subject of exercise? Are they a professional trainer? What licenses or certifications do they have? Questions like these will help you determine if the person you’re taking advice from is a reliable source of information.

Screen Time Limits

Establishing healthy boundaries with your devices will help mitigate the physical and mental health issues linked to excessive screen time. Setting time limits for device usage and creating screen-free zones in your home can improve sleep quality and encourage offline conversations with family, friends, or housemates. 

Digital Detox

Managing exposure to negative online content is crucial for our mental health and well-being. Curate your social media feed by unfollowing accounts that promote “extreme” workouts or diets. If you find yourself constantly comparing yourself to certain influencers, consider unfollowing those accounts as well. To counterbalance the negativity, seek out uplifting content and engage with supportive communities that embrace fitness journeys of all kinds. Remember, fitness isn’t “one-size-fits-all.”

Looking for more digital wellness tips? To unlock a healthier balance between technology and your personal well-being, embark on Digital4Good’s transformative 21-Day Digital Wellness Challenge! Break free from digital overload, establish mindful habits, and experience increased focus, reduced stress, and improved mental clarity. Start your journey today and reclaim control over your digital life.

*If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, call the Eating Disorders Helpline at 1 (888)-375-7767, or visit the National Eating Disorders Association website for additional resources.