Working towards your fitness goals can be a life-changer, right?

But, with all of the different recommendations out there it can be hard to decide which trends should be overlooked. Spending time researching and working through different routines can be frustrating. However, it doesn’t have to be. 

Here are some tips when it comes to fads and trends in fitness. Find out what to trust. 

Fads and Trends in Fitness: What to trust?

When looking at different fads and trends in fitness it can be important to take some time to research whether they are really healthy for your body or not. Here are a few tips and questions to ask to help with deciding which trends you can trust in the fitness world. 

Does it seem too good to be true? 

Fitness goals are accomplished with hard work and consistency. If a fad seems too good to be true it probably is. For instance, if it claims weight loss and muscle gains with minimal work on your end, you probably need to spend more time researching this trend. There are many trends out there that cater to the human condition and promise easy results. However, these easy results won’t ever come. Instead, you will find yourself frustrated when they don’t pay off. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

Who is telling you that it works? 

Many ads and commercials promise that their fitness trend will change your life. However, many of these claims are not accurate. Instead, these brands have something to sell you and it isn’t better health. When deciding on a fitness trend, look at the source. Is it a trustworthy source with quality training in the fitness world? If not, take some time to research the trend further. You may find that that trend is less focused on your health and more focused on helping a person to profit. 

Is it extreme? 

There are some extreme fitness fads out there that leave many questioning whether it is safe or healthy. Take some time to look at the level of intensity and whether or not the intensity is needed. Some fitness brands will recommend extreme training methods that may show initial gains but lead to injuries or health issues if maintained over time. When looking at a fitness trend, ask yourself honestly if it seems too extreme. There are many quality workouts that will give you the gains you want without the extremes that some trends demand of a person. 

Would your doctor approve it? 

One of the best sources for healthy choices can be your doctor. If you were to take this trend to your primary physician, would they be willing to approve of you starting it? Would he or she say it was a good fit for your age, gender, and current state of health? There are many physicians who will happily answer your questions about fitness routines you might consider. If you are unsure of a fitness trend, reach out to your doctor. Your doctor will be able to not only tell you whether this trend is safe but whether it is safe for you. There are times when a trend may work for some but would be dangerous for your personal health. Asking a doctor can help you to avoid injuries and keep you from derailing your fitness journey. 

Can you talk to someone who has tried it? 

One of the best ways to see if something is actually working is to talk to someone who is trying it. By finding someone who has tried the fitness trend in question, you will be able to ask some honest questions about that trend. Is it really working? How are they feeling? What are the downsides? It can also help to reach out to someone who was doing that trend and quit. Find out why they stopped and what didn’t work for them. Many times talking to someone who has stopped doing something will tell you more than anything. 

Does it take you away from what has been working? 

Many times these trends can look good because they look easier than what is currently being done. One of the biggest tests of a fitness trend is to see if it is going to pull you away from what is currently bringing quality results. Are you currently working on muscle isolation exercises or something else that is slowly but steadily working? Moving away from long term gains to “quick and easy” gains can be a sure-fire way to know that a fitness trend is not for you. When deciding on a new routine, ask if it will pull you away from what has consistently worked for your body in the past. If it is going to distract from what is working, it may be time to pass on that trend at this time. 

Would your personal trainer endorse it? 

Most gyms have a personal trainer on staff that members can talk to. Take a few minutes and speak with the personal trainer at your facility. Many trainers will be incredibly honest about the risks and downsides of fads. By taking a few minutes to speak with a trainer, you can get the reality behind a fitness trend. The great thing about speaking with a trainer is that they can give you an alternative fitness routine to consider. Speaking with someone who is trained in fitness can get you on the right path and working towards trackable changes. 

What do the comments and sources say about this fitness fad or trend? 

One of the quickest ways to fact check a fitness trend is to look at the sources they cite. These sources can seem legitimate but reading a little further can show you that their research doesn’t add up. Take some time to verify sources. After looking at sources, take some time to look at the comments of the post on the site you are reading or the social media platform you find it on. Whether it is a protein supplement or a new form of Creatine, most of the time people will be very honest about the downside of fads and trends in the comments section. This is because people want to warn others of the potential downside of a fitness routine or trend. 

With a little bit of research and common sense, you can find the fitness routine for you.