Every day, millions of boys and young men scroll through Instagram and TikTok, envying influencers in their seemingly perfect lives who have the toned, fit body that they are after. Whether they are flexing their muscles in the mirror or taking us through their day, these influencers are inspiring us to get fit, get on the ‘grind’, and look a particular way.

For some people, this is beneficial as it provides encouragement. Rufus Smith, a 17-year old from England, says, “It’s not as much pressure as it is motivation, something to aspire to, not something that you have to be.”

On the flip side, social media can create unhealthy pressure on young people to push themselves before they are developmentally ready. Studies say that children as young as seven can start simple strength training, but they need to be older – around 14 – to start serious weight training.

For others, social media has little effect, especially with experience and age bringing greater knowledge and maturity.

Joe Robinson, 28, a PhD student at Cambridge and an avid gymgoer, says: “I know that social media isn’t real life. Even if influencers aren’t on any special ‘sauce’ [steroids], they’re photographed in the best possible lighting and with a pump. Recognising that 100% of what we see is only about 2% of reality is a powerful thing.”

Supplements

Beyond workout routines, another trend heavily shaped by social media is the growing obsession with supplements. Protein powders, pre-workouts, creatine and other supplements have become part of many people’s daily routines and it is spreading to younger audiences. What once belonged mostly to professional athletes is now marketed as an essential for anyone looking to enhance their performance or increase their gains.

Increasingly, many of them also have their own fitness brands. Sometimes they are sponsored by companies or are a part of affiliate marketing schemes and are making money via their promotions. Or, they could simply be making claims based on their personal preference.

Rufus Smith told Harbingers’ Magazine, “It made me know the right ones to take and the ones to avoid and then give advice to other people. I ignore all the influencers’ own-brand supplements, but I listen to their advice on trusted brands.”

The risk with own-brand supplements is that they don’t have the same track record as well-known and respected brands. Quality can vary, and there may be little scientific evidence to support the claims made. This uncertainty is especially concerning when such products are marketed heavily to younger people through social media.

Joe Robinson says, “I do think that influencers should be subject to more robust accountability mechanisms when they peddle ‘snake oil’, because young men in particular want to look the way their idols do and they’re willing to take anything to do it.”

#fitness

Statistics show that 180 out of 400 million Instagram users displayed the hashtag ‘#fitness’ in 2021. Around 50 million videos on TikTok used the hashtag ‘#fitness’.

Social media can be a powerful tool and while it can be extremely useful in finding new exercises and workout plans, one should always tread carefully and use it as a resource rather than as a manual for how to live your life.

In the end, everyone is different and we all require different amounts and types of training and supplements to achieve our physical goals. Seek trustworthy guidance and focus on what truly works for you – rather than chasing whatever is trending online.