Social Media, Fitness Advice, and the Problem With Popularity

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have become accessible sources for news, information, humor, and opinions. As these platforms have grown, they’ve been widely adopted by professionals in the fitness and healthcare industries for marketing, education, and outreach.

When used well, social media can be an incredible tool to deliver valuable information to a targeted audience. Unfortunately, its popularity has also created an environment where influence is often mistaken for expertise—and where popularity can overshadow merit.

The Rise of Misleading Fitness Content

Let’s be honest: sex sells. Eye-catching videos, flashy movements, outlandish claims, and oversimplified “hacks” tend to gain far more attention than thoughtful, evidence-based content.

People naturally want shortcuts. Who wouldn’t want a guarantee that they’ll never pull a muscle again? Who wouldn’t click on a promise to prevent concussions or eliminate injuries?

The problem?
These claims are impossible.

Misleading information spreads quickly, especially when wrapped in an impressive physique, dramatic headlines, or viral trends. Meanwhile, posts grounded in science, experience, and reasonable deductions are often overlooked because they’re not flashy enough.

The Truth: Even the Best Athletes Get Injured

It’s important to remember that:

• LeBron James, one of the greatest athletes of all time, recently missed part of a season due to a muscle strain.

• Cristiano Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the best soccer players in history, suffered a hamstring tear during a match just last week.

If elite athletes—who have world-class training, recovery, and medical teams—still get injured, it’s unrealistic to believe that an online “routine” can magically prevent injuries altogether.

Injuries are a part of being human.
We can reduce risk by training mobility, strength, and control, but we cannot eliminate it.

And despite what social media may imply, health and performance are not always the same thing.

What We Encourage Instead

At Kauno, we always encourage our patients and clients to:

• Train hard

• Train smart

• Ask questions

• Be skeptical of unrealistic claims

• Use qualified healthcare and fitness professionals as resources

When in doubt, rely on people who understand your body, your goals, and the science behind effective training—not influencers chasing engagement.