Fitness Fads vs. Facts: Breaking Down TikTok's Viral Workouts

Fitness Fads vs. Facts: Breaking Down TikTok's Viral Workouts

I've been in the fitness industry for more than eight years. I have seen many "fitness fads" come and go. Since social media started, more and more misinformation has been circulating among many different platforms. One of the more popular ones this year is TikTok.

Now don't get me wrong TikTok can be a very great and useful learning tool. But because anyone and everyone can post content some of the facts get lost along the way.

This false information can be detrimental to people especially when it is centered around food. A name that comes to mind is Paul Saladino who posts fear-mongering ideas around food, clothing, fitness, etc. I remember seeing one video he posted that talked about how oatmeal is bad for you because of whatever chemical is found to be "dangerous". Meanwhile, that said chemical is naturally made in your body. This can be harmful to people with current or previous eating disorders and/or cause people to develop one.

This is why it is important to make sure you fact-check who and where you get your information from. This includes even me! I am always learning and changing my fitness beliefs. I think if you stick to an idea so hard it can prevent us from learning new ideas! Remember, if someone makes bold, generalizations like “women shouldn't do this move,” “don't eat this one food to lose weight,” or makes claims that SEEM too good to be true;“burn belly fat in this one workout, it probably IS too good to be true.

So what are the viral TikTok fitness trends and are they truthful, false, or partially true? Let's get into it!

1. 12-3-30 Workout

   This workout has been around for quite a while but still seems to hang on. This workout on the treadmill consists of a 12 incline, 3 speed, for 30 minutes. It promises to burn fat belly fat and help you lose weight, get a butt lift, and the best form of cardio. The fact is any cardio is going to burn fat and you can't target where you lose fat. It can cause lower back pain if you do it consistently which many proclaim you should do for 30 days straight. There is no magic workout that will give you the body you want in 30 days… if there was everybody would be doing it and walking around shredded.

   
   

   I recommend finding any cardio you enjoy and be consistent with that. If you do, try to do this workout -‘d take rest days in between and perhaps start with a slightly less incline!

   
   

2. Pink Pilates Princess

   

   I have nothing against Pilates but I do have a slight issue with glorifying a workout as being something overly aesthetic and the only way to get in the best shape of your life. Pilates Reformer classes have become very popular in the past year, which is awesome because more people are taking their health seriously! However, if anyone is telling you that the key to your dream body is to do one specific workout routine that is not necessarily the truth. The truth is that you should be doing a workout routine you love; whether that is yoga, pilates, weight lifting, running, etc. Find what you love and go crush it! PS. You do not need to be aesthetic or have Lululemon to participate in any fitness!

1. Stomach Fat Dance Workout

   Many of you might have seen this viral dance video that proclaims to burn your belly fat (https://www.tiktok.com/@ziekwangchannel/video/7230071773843180806).

   
   

   Unfortunately, you can not reduce fat and this doesn't train your abs if your goal is to get abs. Legit dancing can be a great cardio burner but this ain't going to get you there. Second, waist trainers are a waste of money...save your cash and do the work! PS. Most likely your lower back is going to hurt after doing this.

   
   

2. Winter Arc & 75 Hard Challenge

   Challenges can be great for reaching your fitness goals however, some challenges can be better than others for your mental health. The Winter Arc I think is very Vikingy if that is a word. I do think the people not completing that challenge might feel guilty and like others are doing better than them because they aren't eating a dozen cookies and a sitting. But at the end of the day, you are not responsible for how other people feel. So do the Winter Arc if you want to. We shouldn't shame people for trying to get in the best shape of their lives. Remember "hot girl summer"?

75 Hard I have a love/hate relationship with. Many of my friends have completed and not finished this challenge. With the two-a-day workouts, clean eating, etc. it can be hard to finish this challenge(pun intended). I think the super strict challenges can be hard to follow when life gets in the way(which it always seems to) and can lead to poor self-esteem if failing them often. I remember doing some challenges in the past and it led my inner dialogue to be more hateful and negative to myself than it was before. So if you are someone who isn't the nicest to yourself maybe pick a more realistic challenge for yourself or create your own!

Another note is that the two-a-day workouts can lead to overtraining in my professional opinion.

1. Fitness Trackers

   Fitness Trackers like Fitbit, Apple Watches, and Auroa Rings can be great options to track your heart rate, steps, and what's going on in your body. I personally love my Fitbit Inspire 3 watch but if I got this watch 5 years ago when I was struggling with my eating disorder it would have been disastrous.

   
   

   If you have a very obsessive personality or you are struggling with an eating disorder yourself I would not recommend a fitness tracker because you can become consumed with your calories burned or step count. Heal yourself first before using products like these.

   
   

   Always remember that fitness trackers are not 100% accurate and that they can be off. Also, remember that they are a tool to gain knowledge about yourself off of not the end or be all. That workout still counts even if you forgot to put on your smartwatch.

In summary, navigating the world of trends requires a keen eye and critical thinking. Here are the key takeaways from our discussion:

• Research is Essential: Always verify the information before jumping on the latest fad.

• Stay Informed: Follow credible sources to differentiate between fleeting trends and lasting facts.

  
  

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to hearing about your favorite fads of 2024 in the comments below!