HOW TO AVOID THE ‘FITNESS FALLACY TRAP’ ONLINE
Social media has let popularity replace real expertise, writes Helen Vanderburg.
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We are constantly being bombarded with advertising that feeds on our desires to change our body, life and health. The fitness industry has so many fads and fallacies, sometimes it’s hard to know what works, and what doesn’t. Add to this the minefield of misinformation being shared on social media and it is a fitness jungle out there!
It has become easier than ever to share misinformation and with the use of social media it can become instantly viral. Experts in social media marketing play off of the seduction to share what we secretly want to be true. If millions of people are following it, it must be true. Before you know it, everyone is rushing to the grocery store to stock up on an exotic spice to shed 10 pounds in a week.
Unfortunately for the consumer, anyone can become a self-appointed health and fitness expert. In fact, you could start your own weight loss and fitness program online today. Social media is not bound by professional standards and has limited restrictions to the content that is shared.
Expertise is being replaced by popularity. The drive to become popular and to lure in new followers has escalated the false health and fitness claims being made. With a flood of information being circulated every day, it is hard to know what is accurate information. Don’t feel badly if you have fallen into the “fitness fallacy trap.” It is difficult to discern legitimate information from what’s fraudulent as the websites and social media pages look polished and professional.
So how do you protect yourself from falling victim to false claims and bogus health information online. Consider these helpful hints the next time you are messaged on the latest and greatest trend in the fitness industry.
1.
If the claim seems too good to be true, it probably is.
As much as we wish there was an easy solution to being healthier, fitter, slimmer, more muscular or less stressed, the honest answer is it is complicated and we are all unique individuals. What may work for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. If diet and weight loss was easy everyone would be at their ideal weight. If exercise was easy, no one would need to sweat. There is no simple solution or a magic recipe. There is no such thing as spot reduction. And fat doesn’t turn into muscle or vice-versa.
2.
Where does the information come from?
Become a critical thinker and ask what is the source of the information? Is the information being shared from a credible source and based on peer-reviewed research? Google the claim and determine if it leads to a valid organization and whether the research is available. Who can you trust? Look for accredited organizations in fitness, health and medicine. Is the information linked to an academic journal, government agency, or non-profit accredited professional health and fitness organization? As seen on TV, is not valid accreditation. In fact, if you see this claim, ask yourself how television gives health and fitness products validity. It makes no sense.
3.
What are the authors’ qualifications, credentials and affiliations?
In many cases people who are passionate about their beliefs will share them in such a way that they seem to be true. Ask what expertise they have to make the claims. How long have they been practising what they claim and are they qualified to give you advice?
4.
Is the site or information sponsored by a product?
If yes, look at the essence of the product being sold and whether the educational content is therefore biased. Is there a vested interest to share only information that supports the product? It is often a half-truth that doesn’t share all of the relevant information, just enough to hook us into what is being sold.
5.
Do not be drawn in by the visual appeal of the site or advertising.
Beautiful people in beautiful places do not translate to the real results that we will achieve from the use of the information or product. Just because a celebrity claims that they achieved their results by using a product or following a fitness regime doesn’t make it true. Remember it is Hollywood ... an illusion, a story, a script and a dream.
With the viral sharing of fitness and health information today it is easy to fall into the trap of following what we secretly want to believe is true. I get it. I wish there was an easy way to become and stay healthy and fit throughout life. The honest information is it takes effort to achieve and maintain your health and fitness goals. It is ever-changing and evolving with your needs, age, health status and lifestyle. Be smart and use critical thinking the next time a fitness and diet fad comes around.