Social Media And The Fitness Industry
“I feel like if I am not doing backflips and handstands, I am not in shape.”
I have said this a million times these past few years. The fitness industry has been on a hard upward trend. It will bottom out eventually, and only a few gyms will be left. Generally, I feel the gyms that keep it simple and rely on good foundations of strength and fitness are the ones that will remain. I want to be clear, it’s not that I think the gimmicky places are offering a bad service, I just look at trends and history, and I think this will be the way things play out.
One horrible trend is the social media/marketing pressure gyms put on people. I cannot say that I am not guilty of it myself.
Virtual virtuosities
Social media is a great outlet to get your name and image out there. On social media, people want to watch cool things, and strong people doing awesome things. Although that may be fun to watch, it can be de-motivating for someone new at fitness that wants to get involved. It paints the image that everyone can do high-level acrobatics or bench-press 350 pounds before entering a gym like Fast Twitch. It is not true. These kinds of virtual virtuosities can fool people, and even make them feel small. Ever feel like there is no way they can be part of a gym like THAT because everyone else is so far ahead? (Cue, high school gym nightmares.)
https://youtu.be/ENaLogIrqm4
The reality
Yes the gym industry does advertise the high intensity workouts and big moments on social media. As motivational as it can be, it can also be equally as damaging. If you are one of the people who want to get into a small gym, but feel these pressures, then this next part is for you.
- Everyone has started from somewhere. And when you come into Fast Twitch everyone else will commend you for coming into a place like this.
- When I started this gym, or when any professional gets into this industry for that matter, it is to help people, to make them feel good about themselves. Not to exclude them. Of course we welcome everyone with open arms and we are happy to share a fitness journey with them.
- Ninety-nine percent of my day is working slowly with normal everyday people, taking our time and doing the important things that help to make a good, strong body. One percent of the time, someone does something astonishing, something they have been working on for a lot of time… We do try to capture those moments. But the small moments along the way are just as memorable, for me. So these clients are no different than you in that way.
You have the power
You are the client. Do not forget that. You have the power to accept or reject any service. Try our place out, or try another gym if you are reading this from another state. Interview them, their programs, their trainers. If everyone is friendly and you find that the group programs are just too much for you right now, say something. Small gyms should encourage you and keep you involved. If you don’t speak up, you may never get the help you want.