Stronger Than Your Boyfriend
Stronger Than Your Boyfriend
The Impact of Social Media on the Fitness Industry and Body Image
In today’s episode, we discuss the impact social media has on the fitness industry - for better or worse.
THE UGLY:
We talk about how social media has created an emphasis on body image vs. achieving overall health and wellness goals. The bodies that you see on social media are usually captured using flattering postures, filters, perfect lighting, and some form of digital touch-up. We also talk about how some fitness influencers have undergone surgery or use performance enhancing drugs to make them look a certain way, but are not transparent about it, which creates unrealistic beauty standards.
All-in-all, fitness influencers are creating an ideal body image that is impossible to replicate. However, most of these influencers are selling diets, programs, etc. to their followers who expect to get the same results. We discuss why this is not realistic, and how many of the influencers you see online don’t even have the credentials to be creating fitness programs in the first place.
THE GOOD:
As a fitness coach, using social media as a marketing tool can be beneficial. We talk about how coaches can use social media, but why diversifying outreach through other avenues is actually better for business in the long term.
Then we discuss some of the benefits of social media in the fitness arena. Social media can be a great educational resource and an avenue to try free programs to see what works best for you. However, we advise that you always do your own research too.
Social media can be a wonderful way to create an empowering community around fitness and overall health. Having a community of support, encouragement, and accountability can actually be very beneficial and motivating in the long term. Our Stronger Than Your Boyfriend Facebook group is a thriving online community that empowers and supports everyone’s health and wellness goals
Overall, what you consume on social media should always be taken with a grain of salt, especially regarding health and wellness. Be discerning about who you’re following and why, and allow them to be an educational resource instead of a body image standard.
To read more, check out our blog post The Impact of Social Media on Fitness Trends and Body Image
Resources:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/333253802023827