There is no “Good” and “Bad” necessarily (Depending on intent):
I imagine there’s good intention with many individuals out there posting videos or photos of themselves shirtless as they embark on their 1-3 year fitness journey while searching for an article that perfectly fits the narrative they want to share (unknowingly confirmation bias).
The fact is, influencers and coaches are not the same. Their focus and intentions differ, and their level of commitment varies significantly. While one group is focused on grabbing attention for “likes” and “shares” as if it were a popularity contest, coaches and great trainers should focus on factors that matter most to their clients. Yes, there are great trainers who excel at marketing themselves and share valuable information. As a consumer of information myself, the problem lies in contradictory information, false information, or plain ignorance of what might appear to be factual to the masses.
The barrier for entry is significantly low:
To be a fitness influencer, all it takes is a phone, a social media platform, and sometimes a gym membership.
To become a fitness trainer or coach, the barrier for entry may vary by state. However, in the state of Michigan, there are no requirements to become a fitness trainer. There are certifications that can be acquired, typically within 6 months of studying through a credible organization. This at least facilitates some formal education, which is widely lacking among those in the “influencer field.” There are also college programs such as exercise science or kinesiology (Bachelor’s and Master’s programs) that provide a rounded set of foundational knowledge along with clinical internship experience. I have experience taking on students from our local university, and they at least have a foundation of knowledge to build on in order to best serve their future patients and clients.
Coaches and professional trainers are not likely trendsetters:
The training methods and philosophies adopted by fitness coaches are often based on evidence-based practices and individualized programming.
Contrast this with the approach of fitness influencers, who may prioritize trends, fads, and aesthetics over science-backed principles and protocols.
True personalization for quality services:
Now more than ever, there is a growing divide between those who seek to sell superficial programs as influencers and those who generate customized programs for their clients, addressing their needs and accommodating the challenges they face.
Let’s be honest, perhaps in our late teens and twenties, life was easy, and we seemed to have all the health and time in the world (I understand this is an overgeneralized statement). As we age, our responsibilities grow, as does the demand for our time. With a house to manage, a work schedule, children, family responsibilities, the time for 2-3 hour gym sessions is over. Even if we did have the time, that backache or shoulder injury is haunting us, and that crazy flying push-up exercise we saw on TikTok or Instagram, although it looks cool, is not realistic nor necessary for most of us.
Professional coaches/trainers highlight the importance of personalized training programs tailored to individual goals, needs, and abilities. Fitness influencers often provide generalized workout routines and nutrition advice that may not consider individual differences. There’s also a high chance you’ll find these workouts on another website or possibly even on an app you can download for free to your phone anyways.
Accountability and Support:
Other than customization with specific programming, here’s where professionals have a chance to shine.
Fitness coaches provide ongoing support, motivation, and accountability to clients, helping them stay on track with their fitness goals and navigate the obstacles of life. Discuss how fitness influencers may offer inspiration and motivation through their content but often lack the personalized support and accountability provided by coaches. Motivation and inspiration are great supplements to training and absolutely should exist, in my opinion. But they are not the only content necessary to help individuals attain their goals.
Education and Empowerment:
Fitness coaches aim to educate clients about exercise principles, nutrition, and lifestyle factors to empower them to make informed choices and sustain long-term results. I often tell newer clients that my goal by the end of the year is to help educate and facilitate habits and routines so much so that they will not need me in the future. However, I’m here to continue progress and reaching new goals if wanted. In turn, I’ve built several long-term clients, while others go off to sustain their progress as desired. The ultimate goal is lifelong sustainable steps towards each individual’s goals. Often, fitness influencers prioritize their focus more on promoting products, brands, and aesthetics.
Fitness influencers may prioritize short-term results, quick fixes, and appearance-driven goals over long-term health outcomes. (It works for some clients but also risks resulting in a rebound regression)
Role Modeling and Influence:
Fitness coaches serve as mentors and role models for their clients, leading by example and inspiring positive change through their expertise and dedication.
There’s a good place for us all:
Every individual’s journey may differ based on goals and their ability to commit. There is a good place for influencers to jumpstart momentum for the masses, even if it motivates 1% more of the community of people who get into a healthier lifestyle. The intent of this article is to inform that there is a difference between influencers and professional coaches. There is so much confusing and conflicting information that even my own educational “upbringing” when I was a new trainer could not keep up with the seemingly ever-changing trends of what’s the right thing to do for health and results.
This is actually what led me to strongly seek growth in my own coaching business, to help clarify the confusion and help the growing population attain goals that perhaps were once seemingly unrealistic. Whether you’re looking to get off your couch and tolerate walking to the bathroom or kitchen and back without becoming winded or looking to run your first marathon, coaching may be appropriate.
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