In a time where social media is widespread and is used by almost everybody, fitness influencers are very prominent on those platforms. This has changed the overall culture of the gym and fitness in general. It has changed the gym from personal progress and growth to a place of comparison and unrealistic expectations.

One of the biggest problems in today’s social media is unrealistic expectations. In this case, it would be body expectations. Fitness influencers on social media often showcase their “sculpted” physique online, leading people to compare themselves to them and wonder what they are doing wrong. But most of these pictures are untruthful, using advanced photo editing and great lighting that has been carefully thought through. Leading people to think that this is how they always look. This can lead to negative body image, depression, and body dysmorphia.

Another damaging aspect would be the shift from functional training to an aesthetic obsession. On social media, the “six-pack abs” and giant arms are glorified, leading people to focus solely how how they look, and not on training for functionality, strength, and endurance. This could lead to people working out dangerously, only training for that “post-workout” selfie.

Finally, social media has turned the gym into a place to show off and prance around, instead of a place of genuine self-improvement. With more people setting up tripods and filming their workouts to post, than people trying to improve themselves. This creates a sort of “intimidating” and scary environment for new people to the gym who are worried about being judged or recorded.

Gym culture should be about personal improvement, discipline, and community. Not going for social media validation. It’s time that we improve the culture in the gym and shift the focus back to self-improvement and growth.