Today, it seems like you can’t turn on the television or browse the Internet without being inundated with health and fitness information. Although there’s nothing wrong with being healthy and getting fit, you will find that the way that many fitness personalities and companies market their ideas and products is shameful.

It’s important to understand how they operate and why falling for their marketing is a bad idea.

Everyone Claims to Be an Expert

Just about anyone today can claim that they are a fitness expert. They can start a webpage, blog, social media pages, YouTube channels, etc., with little time or expense. This means that many of the so-called experts who are marketing various products and diets don’t have actual credibility. They simply have a following. They are elevated to guru status even though they don’t have the knowledge they claim to have.

Sometimes, they peddle dangerous diet plans or exercise routines. Not having information and expertise is one thing, but using false information that could put people in danger is reprehensible. Yet, countless people do this, all in the quest to make some money without thinking about the consequences.

The Internet Is Deceptive

Are you shocked at all of the before and after photos you see on the websites of these fitness companies and personalities? With the right lighting, makeup, and a touch of Photoshop, those before and after photos might not be what they seem. The beautiful people you see are there to lure you in and to make you believe in the reality they are trying to create. They say that if you use their product, buy their book, watch their videos, etc., you can look like that, too.

This isn’t always reality. It’s marketing. They prey on your fears and insecurities as a means to have you part from your time or money. These so-called experts know what they are doing. They are using tried and true marketing tactics to get you fearful or excited about the possibilities. It’s not that much different from late-night TV infomercials, to be honest.

A Truly Healthy Lifestyle

When you want to become happier and healthier, there are certain things you should do regardless of whatever off the wall information is being dished out by the latest exercise “experts”. Namely, don’t view food and exercise as punishments. Both food and exercise should be enjoyed. Have a healthy dietary lifestyle, not a fad diet that could end up damaging your body. Don’t form unhealthy relationships with people in your life, or with those beautiful, fit, experts flooding Instagram and YouTube.

When you are looking for health and fitness information, you need to use common sense. You also need to look for true experts who aren’t trying to sell the latest pill or piece of exercise equipment. You can get toned, get stronger, and feel better when you use quality exercise techniques and eat right. There’s no need to starve yourself or injure yourself. You don’t need to bow down to the latest overnight expert or fad.