Why You Should Question Fitness Influencers and the Industry

It’s important to be aware of some common tactics used by influencers that can mislead or manipulate audiences.

Here are a few red flags to watch out for:

1. Beware of Black-and-White Thinking

If an influencer tells you to always do something or never do something, take it with a grain of salt.

Health, fitness, and nutrition are not one-size-fits-all.

For example, some people claim that certain exercises, like upright rows, will always destroy your shoulders.

Or they’ll say you should never eat a specific food.

The reality? There are no inherently “good” or “bad” exercises or foods—context and execution matter.

If done correctly, most exercises have benefits, and all foods can fit into a balanced diet.

A recent example that frustrated me was an expert completely bashing goblet squats, calling them ineffective.

That’s simply not true.

Goblet squats promote proper form, strengthen the entire body, and don’t load the spine, making them a great option for many people.

Sweeping generalizations like this do a disservice to those looking for practical, effective ways to train.

2. Watch for Ulterior Motives

Many influencers have something to sell—whether it’s a supplement, a workout program, or a trendy diet.

That doesn’t automatically mean their advice is bad, but it does mean you should question their motives.

Some well-known influencers, like David Sinclair and Andrew Huberman, have shared interesting scientific insights but have also been caught pushing products under the guise of science.

If an influencer constantly promotes a single supplement or program as the answer to all problems, ask yourself…

Are they trying to help, or are they just really trying to make money on a brand deal?

Similarly, companies often fund studies to support their products.

For example, skincare brands might pay for studies with tiny sample sizes and subjective results (“30% fewer wrinkles!”) to make their products sound more effective than they actually are.

Always check who is funding the research and how the data is being presented.

3. Be Skeptical of Overnight Miracles & Quick Fixes

If someone promises a one-step solution to a major problem, be skeptical. Quick fixes rarely work.

Yes, some changes—like quitting smoking—have an immediate positive impact. But most things in fitness and health require consistency over time.

No single supplement will completely transform your body, and no single exercise will magically reshape your physique.

Long-term progress comes from sustainable habits, not shortcuts.

4. Consider the “Attention Economy”

Influencers rely on views, engagement, and controversy to stay relevant. The more extreme or sensational their claims, the more likely they are to go viral.

This has led to influencers using banned substances, editing their photos, or exaggerating their results to sell workout or diet programs that promise unrealistic transformations.

If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.