Fitness influencers not qualified

By Brian Attebery

The internet is amazing. We can get so much information out there at the tips of our fingers on our laptops or phones. I love the access it gives us.

YouTube can be a great resource as well. I have learned several things from various opinions from those channels. We hear the word “influencers” when it comes to various topics out there on social media world. I see lots of “likes” and “loves” on Instagram and Facebook in the fitness world. They show those “ripped abs” and amazing acts of strength and poses and now, they are an “expert”. That 19 year old with three years of gym experience with forgiving joints, high hormone levels and the metabolism of a cheetah is ready to tell the general public how to be fit? I don’t think so. When trying to figure out what is best, what advice should you look for? How do you know who is the best person to turn to?

The internet aside, I have watched people turn to their “fit friend” for fitness and motivation advise throughout the years. I do think that can be a great way to be inspired but maybe not the best way to get started with a program. If you are a beginner, you need to do beginner fitness. Your friend is advanced, in shape and experienced. In addition, what injuries do you have? What is your fitness level? Have you been to the Doctor in recent years to have a cardiovascular assessment?

These are all factors that need to be considered and your friend is most likely not your Doctor.

Trying to do an advanced workout when you are not advanced is a recipe for disaster. You may get injured or at least have a very discouraging first experience with fitness and get overwhelmed.

I have been an expert witness is a few lawsuits involving the fitness industry over the years.

Some were to defend a gym,and some were to go after them. In the cases that the “trainers” had severally injured the customer, 100% of the time they had no formal education. Just because someone looks fit and knows how to do their own workouts, doesn’t mean they are qualified to design everyone’s workouts. There are not any state or federal laws that require “trainers” to have a formal education. Yes, you are required to have a License to cut hair or do nails but not direct someone with their health goals. Now, imagine taking direction from a social media “pro”? Your health is too important to not seek proper instruction.

I love to be inspired by various fitness routines, celebrities and athletes that are on the internet. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I also must remember that I am me and not them. I have certain goals and limitations that I must factor in. So do you. Your fitness goals are for you and the level of fitness you are at in your current situation. Perhaps you will be able to do a routine you have been inspired by some day. Perhaps you will surpass that person you were inspired by? Whatever you do, take your time and be realistic about what you should do right now. Find a qualified, real expert and get a program by a professional that will truly influence your future health goals.

(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.co m)