How to Separate Fitness Facts from Social Media Fiction

Social media has become saturated with information from many sources, each of those promoting different beliefs and perspectives about fitness. It has become a great platform where users can express their ideas and share facts and beliefs about fitness and relay that information to their following and beyond. 

This can be a great tool, but it also comes with a lot of confusion with conflicting ideas among creators. So how do we separate these ideas and find the truth beyond these statements?

• Rely on credible sources - Learn from those who have been educated and have experience in the field. Talk to people who know more about the subject you are interested in. Be curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

• Avoid quick fixes/buzz words - Fitness is a lifestyle and is something that you will be working on long term. Short-term fixes will not last or help you maintain progress long-term. There is a lot of content out there that attracts consumers by highlighting what they want to hear, even if it is not the best solution for them.

• Read & research  - As the industry is always evolving with new information, there is always something new to learn.  Social media is great for information, but there are other sources available to supplement those ideas seen online.  Read books, articles, or peer-reviewed studies to deepen your understanding.

• Get specific about what you want to learn about.  Find out what you are curious and want to learn more about, and start there. Whether you are interested in a certain sport, strength training, nutrition, etc., having a clear focus will help to retain more information.