It is hard to decipher what is real and what is fake with today’s social media onslaught.  So many profiles of fitness “professional’s” selling everything from supplements, to teas, and workout programs labeled “custom”.  As a consumer it becomes increasingly challenging to detect the validity of information when selling and profit are the primary goals.

Below are a few tips to help you navigate social media information.

1: Look for content provided by accredited individuals. 

  • Does the person have a degree, designation, certification or qualification? Just because someone knows how to make their bodies look a certain way does not mean they know how to make your body look the same.

2: Valid and tested information. 

  • Does the person reference real studies and tests when providing information? Anyone can spout out some information about any topic, but has there been scientific or empirical evidence provided to back up their claims?

3: Weeding out the drug users vs the natural. 

  • Many tests have been done on Fat Free Mass Index (FFMI) and nearly all studies have concluded that in most cases a human being can not have a higher natural FFMI above 25 for males and 19 for females. FFMI is defined by the formula (fat-free body mass in kg) x (height in meters)-2. With this in mind when reviewing social media accounts it is in our best interest to understand what this looks like. Below in the photo the person on the left has a FFMI of around 25 (the upper natural limit), while the person on the right carries a FFMI of 35, well beyond the natural limit, and can be concluded that there is drug use involved in creating a body with that high of a FFMI.  When a social media account is claiming that using their programs can help users look like them, make sure you are able to decipher whether that person is being truthful as to how they are able to create their image.

4:  Don’t be fooled by the glitz. 

  • Always try and seek out social media accounts that aim to educate as well as motivate. Remember no 1 opinion is always correct and the aim of fitness related social media should be to provide quality content meant to educate and motivate.  One should not care how much the person can bench press, instead we should care how the movement is being performed and how it can help you the viewer better yourself.