Is it authentic, or just manufactured influencers? Be wary of ‘advice’ contrived via social media

social media influencers / Image source: appinstitute.com

social media influencers / Image source: appinstitute.com

Is it authentic, or just a manufactured influencer? Be wary of ads contrived via social media

This post originally appeared April 29, 2019.

If you are engaged in social media, and especially Instagram, you are probably familiar with the power of influencers. These are ordinary people, just like you and me, who lovingly curate their feeds with inspirational photos of their meals, exercise routines, glorious sunrises, and breathtaking sunsets. They tag their posts with #blessed, #fitspo, and #empowered — and offer us all a slice of a more perfect life. It can be fun to thumb through the feeds of people of all shapes and sizes living their best lives and offering us that push that we can do it too.

Influencers can be found in all corners of the online fitness social communities. From trainers to fit-at-any-size marathoners to mothers entering their first weightlifting competitions, social media has given voice to those who might not fit the stereotype of a typical fitness devotee.

Recently, high levels of Instagram user engagement have given companies an opportunity to capitalize on users with thousands of followers.These Instagram ads, for which influencers can be paid an estimated $1,000 per 100,000 followers, are selling not just a product but an entire lifestyle. They also might be selling bad fitness and diet-related advice.

9 out of 10 patients look to influencers and online communities when making health and wellness decisions. 94% of people share influencer-driven health information with others.

But let’s think about the reality of these influencers. Are they qualified to provide wellness advice? Or are they motivated by a desire to promote certain products or simply to further their personal brands? Because sponcon (sponsored content) can be positioned alongside other posts, it can be difficult to separate the paid ads from the personal stories.

As you scroll through different feeds, keep an eye out for these paid promotions masquerading as solid lifestyle advice. Because influencers are more likely to be ordinary people and not celebrities, they are more valuable to sponsors and appear more trustworthy. Having 100,000 followers does not make you a fitness expert. It does not make you a qualified trainer or a nutritionist. What it makes you is a person with beautiful photos and a performance of authenticity that appeals to your followers.

Before you take advice from anyone you follow on social media, take a moment to evaluate this advice. Is there a prominent brand name dominating the caption? Could these before and after photos be altered in any way? Are you taking advice from influencers you would never even consider if it came from your best friend, a neighbour, or a casual acquaintance?

If you said answered “yes” to any of these questions, maybe it’s time to click “unfollow”.

Is it authentic, or just a manufactured influencer? Be wary of ‘advice’ contrived via social media

social media influencers / Image source: appinstitute.com

social media influencers / Image source: appinstitute.com

Is it authentic, or just a manufactured influencer? Be wary of ads contrived via social media

If you are engaged in social media, and especially Instagram, you are probably familiar with the power of influencers. These are ordinary people, just like you and me, who lovingly curate their feeds with inspirational photos of their meals, exercise routines, glorious sunrises, and breathtaking sunsets. They tag their posts with #blessed, #fitspo, and #empowered — and offer us all a slice of a more perfect life. It can be fun to thumb through the feeds of people of all shapes and sizes living their best lives and offering us that push that we can do it too.

Influencers can be found in all corners of the online fitness social communities. From trainers to fit-at-any-size marathoners to mothers entering their first weightlifting competitions, social media has given voice to those who might not fit the stereotype of a typical fitness devotee.

Recently, high levels of Instagram user engagement have given companies an opportunity to capitalize on users with thousands of followers.These Instagram ads, for which influencers can be paid an estimated $1,000 per 100,000 followers, are selling not just a product but an entire lifestyle. They also might be selling bad fitness and diet-related advice.

9 out of 10 patients look to influencers and online communities when making health and wellness decisions. 94% of people share influencer-driven health information with others.

But let’s think about the reality of these influencers. Are they qualified to provide wellness advice? Or are they motivated by a desire to promote certain products or simply to further their personal brands? Because sponcon (sponsored content) can be positioned alongside other posts, it can be difficult to separate the paid ads from the personal stories.

As you scroll through different feeds, keep an eye out for these paid promotions masquerading as solid lifestyle advice. Because influencers are more likely to be ordinary people and not celebrities, they are more valuable to sponsors and appear more trustworthy. Having 100,000 followers does not make you a fitness expert. It does not make you a qualified trainer or a nutritionist. What it makes you is a person with beautiful photos and a performance of authenticity that appeals to your followers.

Before you take advice from anyone you follow on social media, take a moment to evaluate this advice. Is there a prominent brand name dominating the caption? Could these before and after photos be altered in any way? Are you taking advice from influencers you would never even consider if it came from your best friend, a neighbour, or a casual acquaintance?

If you said answered “yes” to any of these questions, maybe it’s time to click “unfollow”.

We wish you a merry Fit-mas: TrainingSpaces’ holiday gift guide

Image source: bengreenfieldfitness.com

Image source: bengreenfieldfitness.com

We wish you a merry Fit-mas: TrainingSpaces’ holiday gift guide

Giving gifts can be difficult. With a list that extends to include everyone from that secret Santa person you never met to your closest friends, the holidays can be overwhelming — not to mention expensive.

And what about those fit people in your life? Whether they are a five-times-a-week yogi or an occasional walker, here’s a gift guide to help the people you love stay healthy into 2019.

 

Fitbit options / Image source: T3.com
Tech gadgets: Nobody ever unwraps fitness technology and asks for a gift receipt. There are so many options available for the tech-loving fitness buff in your life. From smart watches to clip-on trackers, these devices track data and allow you to see trends.
Image source: GetWellToday.net
Subscriptions: We’ve talked before about the range of fitness apps that are available for download. From food trackers to fitness routines, there are countless apps that can help you stay on track. While many lite free versions of these apps exist, you may want to gift the full version so your recipient can take full advantage of what the app has to offer. Even unlocking a premium subscription to Spotify or Apple Music can help make someone’s workouts commercial-free.
Class gift certificates: A number of studios in Toronto offer gift certificates that will help get you into shape. You can even gift ClassPass so it’s up to your friend to decide which class is right for him or her.
Class gift certificates: A number of studios in Toronto offer gift certificates that will help get you into shape. You can even gift ClassPass so it’s up to your friend to decide which class is right for him or her.
Image source: toptenzilla.com
Workout accessories: While you might want to gift your beloved a Peloton fitness system, it might be a little too expensive. However, Winners and other discount stores offer a number of fitness accessories at unbeatable prices. From resistance bands to yoga blocks, you can pick up high-quality items to enhance any workout. Workout accessories are always appreciated — and something people often don’t buy for themselves.
Image source: New York Magazine
Workout gear: Many of us don’t splurge on expensive workout clothing. A high-quality Dri-FIT t-shirt will be treasured by your fitness fanatic friend. It’s a thoughtful gesture that will be immediately welcomed.
Water bottles for holiday gift guide / Image source: thewirecutter.com
Water bottles: Have we said enough how important hydration is? How about saving the planet so it’s not littered with plastic bottles? There are so many brands of water bottle out these days to compete with the disposable options. Whether it’s aluminum or BP-free plastic, find a stylish bottle that can accompany a workout.

Here are just a few suggestions. Did we miss anything you’ve gifted recently to an active friend? Let us know and we’ll put together a part 2 of this list.

Spinning isn’t scary: a group workout that lets you forget about what you’re wearing

Spinning class / Image credit: Duvine.com

Spinning isn't scary: a group workout that lets you forget about what you're wearing

At its very core, spinning is a cardio workout on a stationary bicycle in a group exercise environment. Despite the rise in studios with their expensive merchandise and inspirational mantras, spinning is not an elite activity that should be only attempted by those looking for a transformational experience. It can be intimidating to set foot in these highly curated environments and feel out-of-place in your worn gym clothes.

But if you are curious about trying spinning, hereu2019s what happens once you enter the darkened world of the studio. u00a0Itu2019s not scary. Itu2019s fun, challenging, and highly individualized. And you are in control of the workout the entire time.

At your first class, make sure to get the instructoru2019s help setting up your bike. Every studio has slightly different equipment so itu2019s worth checking in with the staff about proper form. If you need to clip in with special spinning shoes, donu2019t worry if it takes you a while to get the hang of it. Even between studios, each bike may have their own particular quirk. It helps to step into the pedal and snap down as if you were in motion. Like any piece of equipment, the more you are familiar with it, the easier it gets. Again, donu2019t be afraid to ask the staff for help clipping in.

Most spin studios are incorporating one session of arm exercises as part of the 50-minute class. Make sure to check the weights on your bike and adjust as necessary. The arm workout is not long but it can be challenging. Choose a weight that you think you can work with and will accommodate biceps, triceps, and shoulder reps.

During the class, the instructor may turn up the music or their microphone very loudly to encourage an atmosphere of intensity. Some studios have earplugs available so donu2019t be shy about grabbing a pair (or bring your own!) if you are sensitive to noise. Itu2019s better to be comfortable than in pain u2014 some of the instructors are loud. Really loud.

Throughout the class, youu2019ll be guided through each song. The instructor will suggest how much tension to add to the bike. You can adjust as necessary. Because spin is an individual exercise in a group activity, itu2019s ideal for people who are just starting out or recovering from an injury. You can work at your own pace or even feel free to change up the activity. Studios are usually dark, even candle-lit, so it wonu2019t be obvious if you are unable to keep pace with the pack. Do your own workout or follow the instructor. As long as you are challenging yourself, youu2019ll be fine.

In other blogs, weu2019ve discussed exercise types that are conducive to forming cults of personality. Lead by charismatic instructors or studio owners who believe their own hype, these people can cloud the true purpose of the activity. Spin has recently become one of those places where aesthetics appears to be more important than athletics. Donu2019t be dissuaded. By focusing on what is happening inside the studio, and ignoring the racks of t-shirts with inspirational sayings, you will be treated to a 50-minute workout that will push you and have you returning for another session.

Putting the studio on display

Internal view of TrainingSpaces studio, showing the abundant natural light.

Internal view of TrainingSpaces studio, showing the abundant natural light.

Putting the studio on display

The studio’s been open for a couple of weeks now, with lots of good feedback from both trainers and clients. We’ve been waiting for the right time to let everyone else see it, both here and on the gallery page we’ve been building and waiting to publish.

That time is now. After a couple of weeks of painting, drilling, hanging things on walls, and filling in holes, we’re finally at the point where we can  showcase the studio’s visual appeal. We spent some time there this afternoon doing a shoot (thank you, lord, for fisheye lenses) that we think highlights both the modern, state-of-the-art equipment and the open, airy feeling that the space enjoys thanks to the abundant natural light.

 

And there’s also the private back room where clients can take advantage of massage therapy and acupuncture. 

This is just a sample. For a more comprehensive display, please visit our gallery page.

Want to know more? Do you need motivation? Are you looking for a new approach to personal fitness? Are you looking for a private and comfortable space to work with your clients? We’re just a click away. Just fill out the contact form and we’ll be in touch. 

Watch this space and our Facebook page for more video.

Counting down to launch

Anticipating launch: Stock image of trainer / client checking wrist watch / heart rate monitor.

Getting set to launch soon!

We’ve got the site structure down — now it’s just a matter of fleshing out the framework. We’re quite pleased with the design, which is getting good initial reviews; once we do a shoot at the studio, we’ll have more art to choose from. Not that anything’s wrong with the stock images we’ve been using for practice, of course. Once we’re live, there’ll be lots more content.

Copy has been very kindly supplied by a kickass marketing professional.

Still to come: branding.