Is the Fitness Industry actually Ruining Your Fitness?

The fitness industry is a strange place - a world where the very people meant to guide you often seem unsure themselves.

Over the years, advice has flipped back and forth. 

Steady-state cardio is the best. No, steady-state cardio will kill your gains

Lift heavy weights. No, lifting heavy weights will slow you down.

HIIT is amazing for you. No, HIIT is too much stress on your body. 

The contradictions never stop.

It’s not just exercise, the same chaos exists in food - fads like fasting, no sugar, Atkins, keto, and whatever’s trending this month. It’s no wonder people throw in the towel on their fitness journey before their second gym membership payment has even left their bank account.

Too often, people chase bandwagons that don’t suit them. Every January, countless folks lace up their running shoes and choke down plain chicken and broccoli, convinced this year will finally be the year. But after years of repeating the same cycle, they end up back to square one.

So, what’s the answer? Think about sports and activities people actually stick with. Every athlete - from footballers to dancers to boxers - started by enjoying their sport. Fitness was a byproduct of them having fun. (Bodybuilders might be the exception when it comes to health, but at least they enjoy what they do.

The point is simple: if you want to get healthier this year, stop worrying about the latest trends. Instead, choose something you enjoy - whether it’s dancing, netball, football, running, lifting weights, or boxing. When training is fun, you’ll keep showing up. And consistency, not fads, is what makes the real difference.

Here are some tips on the best way to start your fitness journey. 

• Think of sports you enjoy, whether that’s something you’ve loved doing in the past or even what you like watching. 

• Google local sports clubs in your local area. Check out their reviews, ask people who attend and stalk their socials, see which suits your vibe. 

  
  

• Start slowly, begin with one or two sessions a week and increase over time.

• Go try them out, see if the club or activity is for you. Give loads of different places a try - the best training is the one you keep turning up to. 

• Diet is a massive part of being healthier. Eat foods you actually like. Making small changes will make a massive difference. Like using spices instead of sauces or grill instead of fry. 

The fitness industry is filled with people that don’t actually know what they’re doing and will jump to the latest fad before you can say kale smoothie. 

So remember, trends fade, motivation fades, but if you find something you truly enjoy. Then this is where real health and fitness are found.