Using social media to boost your fitness goals

By David Jenkins

During the age of social media and with online workouts at an all-time high, it can be difficult choosing the right workout. Below are some tips on how to sift through the “influencers” and “information,” and reach your 2020 fitness goals.

Realize social media influencers aren’t you, and you aren’t them.

When it comes to following a social media influencer and deriving your workouts from theirs, it’s important to remember that the workouts they’re doing are personalized for them. Since everyone has different needs and goals, each program should be tailored to the individual.

Periodically, I have clients mention that they would like to look like someone they saw on Instagram or a celebrity.

The truth is: that person is biologically different from you. Their genetic predisposition may have allowed them to have “washboard abs,” or “20-inch biceps,” so focus on being the best you, rather than a reflection of them.

Make sure the source is credible.

It goes without saying that getting a workout plan from a website like "lose20poundstoday.com" likely isn’t a good choice, but sometimes it isn’t so obvious.

There are many different forums, blogs and websites that may sound as if they have the perfect plan but it’s always best to do your own research. Look for peer reviewed, scholarly articles and journals as these are scientifically backed and critically examined.

FIU Libraries has great research tools. Under the titles “research start” and “subject resources”, you can find countless credible literature.

For starters, some great areas to research would be dietetics and nutrition, physical education and sports/recreation, sport science and health sciences.

Find a plan that aligns with your goals

Whether it’s an eight-week workout plan, or a few exercises from an influencer, compare what the workout achieves with what your goals are.

In addition to goals, you may have specific needs.

Muscular imbalances and compensations are common. Your workout plan can aid in fixing them, or further exacerbate an issue.

For a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, schedule an assessment with a certified personal trainer at the FIU Wellness and Recreation Center, who can guide you accordingly.