What effect are TikTok influencers having on women in sport?
I can’t be the only one utterly confused by the amount of contradictory information popping up on my TikTok feed at the moment. Can I?
With fitness influencers on the rise, it can be incredibly overwhelming to sift through mountains of different advice regarding your gym routine. I know, when I go, I’m always wanting to try out new exercises to see if they really will provide me with abs in the promised 30 days. But, surprisingly, it never seems to work.
We caught up with Amy, who is currently doing a Bachelor of Science in Sport Rehabilitation, to talk us through what is going on in the world of fitness.
Okay, let’s start with your favourite gym outfit.
My favourite gym outfit is my DYFNE black shorts, black Zara Long Baby Tee and my TALA black hoodie. It’s comfy and fitted, which makes me feel confident in my body and its progress.
What does your gym routine look like?
I go 3-5 times a week, depending on my menstrual cycle (Ovulation phase: five days, Luteal phase: three to four days): Push Day, Leg Day, Cardio, Pull Day, Glute Day.
I’ve never even thought about my menstrual cycle within my routine, but your period can change how you feel when you go to the gym. It can completely change your energy level. During your menstrual phase, you might feel more tired and need a break. In the follicular phase, you often feel more energetic; it’s a time to focus on strength. When you are going through ovulation, most people continue to feel strong, so strength training is the way to go. In your luteal phase, you may begin to feel tired, have bloating or not want to work out much. It’s a good idea to make your workouts a little easier. However, every person is different. Paying attention to your own body is the best way to understand what you need from the gym. 
And what’s the most recent gym-related purchase you’ve made?
I purchase Protein Isolate powder every other week, caffeine gum for my workouts every week, and usually a matcha after my sessions.
What do you need in your gym bag?
The essentials: water, AirPods, a towel, a claw clip, a padlock, a lip liner (always) and a protein bar.
That’s very similar to my gym bag, but I have to bring perfume and resistance bands as well!
Any TikTok myth you can bust?
Squats using a Smith machine ARE a good choice, especially for beginners. There are so many variations you can do that aren’t available on a usual squat rack…and you don’t need to take your shoes off for every machine. Instead, you should invest in a good pair of gym trainers.
Do you ever feel insecure after seeing fitness influencers doing something different to your norm?
Sometimes I rock up to the gym with unwashed hair, no makeup and look horrendous, and the most beautiful, done-up gym girlie will walk past but only goes to the gym to take pictures. This used to bother me when I first started going to the gym, but I’ve quickly learnt people will do what makes them happy, and showing up to the gym regardless of how I look makes me happy. Also, seeing gym influencers getting butt lifts is something I’m seeing more of; again, whatever makes you happy, but for me I enjoy the process of progress.
What trend have you seen more often, recently, in the gym?
Everyone wears ABYL or DYFNE, including myself. A growing trend for sure. I’ve also seen more people warming up with resistance bands too, a brilliant addition to a warm-up and cool-down; however, they’re only beneficial if you know how to use them.
Oh, I’ve noticed that as well! Another trend I’ve noticed is the ‘anti-fitness girl’ trend where people lean into wearing oversized t-shirts and portray the ‘I just came to work out aesthetic, and I love it!
What’s your opinion of the effect of TikTok on the gym space?
TikTok in the gym is actually something I’m considering adopting into my studies to help build my brand in line with my degree. So it actually benefits my experience; however, for other gym-goers less keen on social media, I completely appreciate it being a negative addition to the gym. I believe filming should have time limits in the gym, with allocated hours throughout the day or zones where filming isn’t allowed, to accommodate everyone.
How is TikTok affecting the gym world?
It empowers some gym-goers and acts as motivation, as in this day and age, people can make a living from social media. However, it can be uncomfortable and a burden to regular gym-goers who don’t want to be in the background or be disrupted during their workout. Alternatively, gym trends can often promote positive advice such as good form, tips and tricks, and ultimately improve overall fitness. On the contrary, some trends might be unprofessional and risky to gym-goers, meaning TikTok could potentially cause harm to certain people.
I personally think TikTok is a great addition to gym-goers ‘ routines – as long as the people who record are being respectful.
Well, we can’t disagree with that. It might be difficult to know what information to listen to when it comes to TikTok (so please fact-check your information!) If you are listening to information from TikTok, make sure to fact-check it first!
Our verdict? TikTok is a great way to find fun new workouts as long as you are following professionals who can provide you with legitimate advice!
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