Are Fitness Influencers Giving Personal Trainers a Bad Name?

In today’s scroll-heavy, algorithm-ruled fitness world, you’re more likely to see a six-pack on Instagram than in an actual gym. Fitness influencers dominate the conversation—millions of followers, sponsored posts, flashy routines.

 

But there’s a quiet tension brewing. Behind the scenes, personal trainers—the professionals—are losing ground to online personalities.

 

So the question is: Are fitness influencers giving personal trainers a bad name?

 

Let’s break it down.

 

The Rise of the “Insta-Coach”

 

Social media has created a new kind of fitness celebrity: the influencer who’s lean, confident, and often uncredentialed. Some promote questionable supplements. Others showcase workouts with zero programming logic. A few do both.

 

Many of these influencers are not certified, have no real-world experience, and push trendy, unproven advice because it gets likes—not because it works.

 

That’s a problem.

 

For every responsible, science-backed coach online, there are ten pushing “quick fixes,” Photoshop abs, and cookie-cutter plans. That noise dilutes the trust in real professionals—the personal trainers who’ve put in the time, education, and reps.

 

How Influencers Undermine the Personal Training Industry

 

1. They Make It Look Easy

 

Fitness isn’t easy. Coaching isn’t easy. Results take time. But influencers edit their journeys into 60-second transformations.

 

It sets unrealistic expectations for clients. So when a real trainer emphasizes consistent effort, progressive overload, and habit-building… it sounds boring in comparison.

 

That contrast damages trust.

 

2. They Blur the Line Between Entertainment and Expertise

 

Influencers create content to entertain. Trainers provide coaching to transform.

 

When a trainer sees a client trying a viral exercise that risks injury, it’s not just annoying—it’s dangerous.

 

Influencers aren’t necessarily accountable for what happens off-camera. You are.

 

3. They Undercut Value

 

$20 for a “booty guide”? That’s great—until the buyer realizes it’s a PDF with no progression, feedback, or personalization.

 

It cheapens the perceived value of actual coaching.

 

Clients then wonder:

 

• “Why would I pay a trainer $80/hour when this girl charges $30 for 12 weeks?”

• “Why do I need a program when I can just follow free workouts online?”

 

 

Answer: Because coaching isn’t about workouts. It’s about outcomes.

 

What Personal Trainers Need to Do About It

 

1. Raise the Standard

 

You can’t stop influencers from influencing. But you can raise the bar on your side.

 

If you’re a certified personal trainer (like through NASM, ACE, or ISSA), that’s your edge. You’re not selling hype—you’re selling science, structure, and sustainability.

 

Lead with credibility. Back it with results.

 

2. Educate and Empower

 

Clients don’t always know the difference between a flashy body and a smart coach. Make it obvious.

 

• Break down the “why” behind your programming.

• Explain the long-term vision behind short-term sacrifices.

• Teach your clients how to think critically about fitness media.

 

 

You’re not just building bodies—you’re building informed humans.

 

3. Market Like a Modern Pro

 

Don’t just complain about influencers—out-market them.

 

Yes, they post flashy stuff. But you can still win by:

 

• Sharing real client results

• Explaining common fitness myths

• Showing the process (not just the before & after)

• Using tools like The Training Notebook to track and display client progress

 

 

Proof beats flash. Every time.

 

Influencers Aren’t the Enemy—But They’re Not the Standard

 

Let’s be clear: not all influencers are harmful. Some are certified, credible, and using their platform for good.

 

But when likes become more valuable than lives changed, there’s a problem.

 

It’s up to you—the personal trainer—to protect the craft, educate the public, and be the expert in a sea of entertainers.

 

You have one massive advantage they’ll never match: you’re in the trenches.

 

You’re the one:

 

• Regressing a movement so someone with joint pain can train

• Helping a new mom rebuild confidence

• Staying late to answer questions that won’t fit into a 15-second TikTok

 

 

That matters. And it’s worth charging for.

 

Final Thought: Elevate the Industry by Leading From the Front

 

If you’re frustrated by influencers, good. That means you care. But don’t waste energy hating—channel it.

 

• Keep learning.

• Keep coaching.

• Keep proving what real training looks like.

 

 

Because when a client finally realizes their favorite influencer can’t help them break through a plateau, you’ll be there.

With a plan.

With tracking.

With a real solution.

 

And with tools like The Training Notebook, you’ll show progress they can feel—and see.

 

By: Hector Sanchez
CEO - The Training Notebook