Social Media's Toxic Effect on the Fitness Industry

My thoughts on gyms, gym and fitness culture, the effects of social media...have all grown and evolved over the years. I likely aligned with a lot of toxic thinking in my 20s which has slowly disapppated as I matured and grew comfortable with myself. Now, there are so many things that I not only notice, but also get upset by - happening right in my own industry. I've made sure to really be mindful as I've started my own business, making sure that when you are working with me, you feel safe, brave, and never judged.

Here are some areas that I am begging others in my industry to take note:

• Filming in gyms

  • The gym is a public space and I understand that filming may be allowed (usually just barred in locker room areas). But it's getting out of control. Just a few days ago, I was asked to move - mid workout - to provide more space for two young "influencers" to film a video on foam rolling. I spoke to management about it but due to their policies, there wasn't much anyone could do. I was infuriated and ended up packing up shortly. I always try to remember what it was like going into a gym for the first time - even for the first WHILE - and the last thing I would want to be positioned in a stranger's video. Let alone be asked to move to accomodate for social media. I am desperately urging gyms to take better action and for trainers, "influencers", and gym-goers to be aware of your surroundings. Find a quiet, unused area of the gym to film. Speak kindly to your neighbors to make sure everyone is comfortable. A little kindness (and awareness) goes a long way.

• Social Media Superiority Complex

  • Another recent experience led me to really question the integrity of other industry folk. I've been nothing but open and honest when speaking about the difficulties of starting my own business. But when talking to others who did the same, I felt put down for being scared. And my thoughts were made public. (Here is my reminder that if you ARE NOT scared, you aren't doing something that is challenging, new, out of your comfort zone. No one said FEAR is always BAD). But that's the thing about social media now. Most people only choose to highlight how much better they are than "the regular people" - especially in fitness. How many times do you check someone's IG story and see a perfectly curated meal on a clean, white, circular plate? Vegetables laid out strategically next to a weighed out portion of protein? Girl, I am HUNGRY when I get home from the gym. My meal prep is about to be scooped straight out of a tupperwear and nuked for 2 minutes before it's devoured. Have you seen your trainer boast about "no restricting here!!!" but then give you a daily bikini-clad body check in a standing mirror selfie - shadows hitting each and every one of her ab muscles? I can promise you this: abs = restriction. When you see these influencers holding up their greasy lunch on a boujee vacation, that's to show you - see! I'm just like you! When you see influencers make vague statements about "I struggle too, ladies!" - take note. It's not vulnerability - it's a marketing scheme. Oh! And no - you don't have to wear a matching Alo gym outfit to qualify to be in the gym. The truth is that hard work, consistency, and great strength training look boring on social media. The truth is admitting that no matter how vulnerable we are on social media, no one knows us like the circle of people around us. This includes me! Sure, I'm sharing here but not many people have been by my side through the nitty gritty to know who I am at my core. I love social media but I'm also not defined by it.

• Catch phrases/Challenges/etc

  • The last thing I'll write about for today is the use of catch phrases, catchy challenges, and false promises to promote a brand, trainer, or program. Let's clear one big one up today - we DON'T all have the same 24 hours a day. I will never compare my day to a working mom or dad, a first responder, a caretaker, etc. Things like challenges and 10, 30 day programs are not designed to get you to hit a goal. They are designed to get you to sign up for a larger product afterward. They are often marketed using photos of people whose JOB is fitness. Subconsciously, we look at these individuals and assume they did their own 10-day challenege. Nope! They have passive income that allows them to focus solely on their physique. In my case, I often spend my breaks (where I'm already in a gym) to get some extra reps and movement in. So, selling you MY program does you no good. Why it was so important for me to highlight to my clients that we are creating YOUR program - something new, un-Googleable, and made around your life, your goals, and what's accessible to you.

Perhaps this all felt like a rant - and to some degree, it was. But it is so important for you all to know that you don't have to put up with these things, and many more like those on this list. You deserve a space that's dedicated to your growth, not mine, with the understanding that without safety and honesty, there cannot be room for your bravery and growth. You deserve to know the truth and to be able to scroll on social media without letting it send you down a rabbit hole of self-comparison.

You deserve so much better.

If you made it this far, I'm so happy you're still here.

xoxoxo Cat