Once upon a time, social media was used to share photos of our puppies, kids, and the occasional sunset. Today, it’s used by everyone from your Pilates instructor to that guy you knew in high school to share how they packed 50 grams of protein into breakfast, their secrets to six-pack abs, and the latest, greatest supplement that everyone should be taking. It’s a lot, and according to a recent consumer survey conducted by creative agency Mythology and insights firm Vytal World, it’s resulting in “influencer fatigue.” Of the 1,000 U.S. active adults surveyed, 47% said they are now relying on their own knowledge, instincts, and experiences over experts, influencers, and technology. 

In an interview with Athletech News. Mythology managing director L Parker Barnum explained, “People are questioning the assumption that someone else knows their body better than they do.” 

One Size Does Not Fit All 

When it comes to fitness, and fitness influencers, one size does not fit all. What people are realizing the hard way is that what works for one person may not work for everyone. There are many variables to consider when it comes to diet and exercise, including age, gender, lifestyle, hormones, and other specific details. In short, we could all eat the exact same thing, follow the exact same workouts, and still have completely different bodies. Take protein, for example. You can’t open your social media feed without seeing multiple influencers sharing their high-protein recipes and “what I eat in a day,” to hit their protein goals. While it’s true that protein plays an important role in building and maintaining muscle mass, and it may help with weight loss by keeping you feeling full, most people don’t need as much as the current influencer-driven cottage cheese craze suggests. In fact, a recent article in The New York Times cited data showing that the average man in the United States is more than 55 percent over the federal protein recommendation and the average woman by more than 35 percent. 

“I really wish we’d stop acting like protein is the end all because not everyone can tolerate the same amount,” said Cara Clark, owner and founder of Cara Clark Nutrition. “Protein’s ability to impact the body is also influenced by the health of the kidneys and the exercise the person is dedicated to.”

Clark also warns that focusing on hitting one daily number can be counterproductive. 

“Each meal matters more than the end of the day numbers because our bodies activate digestion and absorption each time we eat,” she explained and added that carbs and fats must be included in the mix for cognitive and hormonal health. “Every meal is a chance to influence the cells in our body.”  

The same holds true for supplements. Creatine may be the word on every influencer’s lips today, but it wasn’t that long ago that colostrum, probiotics, and green powders were the magical enhancements we couldn’t live without. Most of these supplements du jour fall under what Clark referred “tier three” supplements and most people are fine with foundational support (think multivitamins, magnesium, etc.). 

“Tier three supplements are what we get influenced into believing will change our lives,” she said, citing collagen, colostrum, parasite cleanses, and hair growth enhancers. “The reality is that foundational support can resolve a lot of these issues.” 

 Controlling Your Influencer Diet 

Just like the food you eat, the content you consume can affect your health. You don’t have to cut out all the health and fitness content you enjoy, but you should be mindful about what you are ingesting, remembering that influencers are not monitored or regulated, and they don’t have to be experts in their fields. Anyone with a social media account who looks good in spandex can share content that looks legit enough for you to not only follow them but also click their sponsored links faster than you can say, “add to cart.” So how do you know who’s for real and who’s just angling to get sponsored by Lululemon? It’s not always obvious, but one step is to look at their profiles to see if they have listed any credentials or certifications that align with what they are sharing. Do they only promote their own brands or sponsored products? That can be a big red flag. Finally, consider how they make you feel. Again, like food, if it leaves you feeling “icky,” you probably should avoid it. 

“The cool thing about the internet is that we get to decide what works for us,” said Clark. “I suggest an annual “weed out” of content that doesn’t align with your goals or makes you feel bad about yourself. 

Swipe Right

Hey, we get it! Hiring a trainer or nutritionist isn’t cheap, so when the Alo- clad 20-something with her taut tummy, or the ripped bodybuilder with the killer quads offer you the keys to the kingdom, it’s hard not to take the clickbait. But before you buy the supplement or add yet one more scoop of cottage cheese to your meal, ask yourself if you really feel like you need it or if you are just under the influence of the latest trend. If you are unsure, seek out expert advice. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a trainer or nutritionist. With the Internet and AI Chat at your fingertips, there are plenty of ways to research products, supplements, and nutritional guidelines. Your doctor can also offer valuable advice, as can a nutritionist or dietician, some of whom may be covered by insurance. And yes, you can find experts on social media, but the best expert might just be you. 

“We all need to become more intuitive with ourselves, which makes us the experts of our own bodies,” said Clark, who creates what she calls a “guidelines” and “road maps approach for her clients. “Roadmaps can change based on the day to day life,” she added. “If we have guidelines to turn back to, that can help us stay on track when we get off the roadmap.” 

“Hopefully, this weeds out the experts versus the influencers, as experts continue to share why certain lifestyle practices work, whereas influencers continue to share what works for them,” Clark continued.

So where does that leave the future of millions of fitness influencers? Again, that depends on what they are putting out there. In your diet of media consumption, think of them as dessert. Something to enjoy once in a while, but not something you should indulge in daily. 

“The influencers who are authentic, and who talk about the ups and downs and real-life hurdles aren’t going anywhere,” predicted Clark. “For the ones who are all about the next new thing, or just trying to make a sale, I think they will lose momentum and trust from their followers.”

“On the other hand,” she continued, “I hope consumerism changes in this regard because no product can replace consistency and lifestyle practices.”  

Learning to trust your body and understand what works for you, and what doesn’t, takes a lot of trial and error, but it’s worth it in the long run. Why? Because you will develop a healthy lifestyle that is sustainable and leaves room for enjoyment. Remember, there is no “quick fix” or shortcut to a strong, healthy, fit body, regardless of what the hottest influencer may promise you. Like all things built to last, it takes time.