A couple of months ago, I set up a separate Instagram account to focus on fitness and nutrition. My original account, filled with baseball, hairstyle tutorials, fashion, and bunny rabbits, was being taken over by fitness content, which I found irritating. But as I explored the workout videos recommended by my new account, I noticed many were not helpful, and some were downright unsafe. I discovered that the creators of these videos often lacked proper fitness certification or education. As someone who mostly knows what to do in the gym, I found that some of these creators were still persuasive in their claims. Here’s what to avoid when selecting at-home workout guides.
Avoid creators who aren’t transparent about their certification. Though some individuals may be highly knowledgeable about fitness without formal education, it’s safer to follow certified experts. Certified personal trainers (CPTs), performance enhancement specialists (PESs), or group fitness instructors (GFIs) should list their qualifications in their profiles. If you don’t see any certifications, move on. Instructors qualified in yoga, pilates, or cycling should also indicate it in their profiles. Certifications are time-consuming and costly, so certified trainers typically showcase them.
I’ve shared my favorite certified yoga, cycling, and pilates instructors on YouTube. As a certified indoor cycling instructor, I understand how crucial it is to learn the science behind exercises and pass a certification exam to provide safe and effective instruction.
If in doubt about Instagram tips, ask a trainer at your gym. Many gym members have access to trainers who are often willing to answer quick questions to prevent injuries. A small gesture, like bringing them a coffee, can be a nice thank-you.
Avoid low-quality production. While I respect creators who share expertise with limited resources, poor production quality in workout videos can lead to unsafe practices. I love the Peloton app, partly because its high production quality ensures I catch all form and safety cues. Although some YouTube instructors may have less polished production, it’s crucial, especially for beginners, to avoid unclear audio and video to ensure safety.
Seek variety and modifications in workout instruction. A one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective for personal workouts. Classes need to challenge your skill level appropriately. I highlighted pilates instructors who offer levels or modifications in my roundup. Beware of “all levels” content with no modifications, especially prevalent on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where exercises are often demonstrated without clear guidance or context.
Avoid relying solely on free instruction. Most sensational claims about quick weight loss or skill acquisition are misleading. Free content often aims for high click rates instead of accurate guidance. Sometimes, paid content is a better option. I prefer my Peloton and Les Mills+ subscriptions for their quality and credentialed trainers, despite the costs. Peloton offers an app version without equipment for $24/month, while Les Mills+ has a $15/month basic membership. Many instructors also offer paid content on platforms—consider sampling their free material first.