Fitness Influencers vs. Fitness Experts – Can They Be One and The Same?

When people ask me what I do, I typically don’t tell them I’m a blogger and I sure as hell don’t tell them I’m an “influencer.” I say that I’m a fitness instructor. Part of it is just laziness—there are always lots of follow-up questions and explaining to do when you say you blog for a living. But a big part of it is insecurity and a nagging subconscious fear that I won’t be taken seriously as a fitness professional.

I know that some (not all!) trainers and fitness professionals view fitness “influencers” as problematic (for the record I’m *not* passive-aggressively throwing shade at anyone in particular, nor throwing shade at all). They see influencers as untrained opinionators giving advice they aren’t qualified to be offering, and sometimes that advice is based on misinformation or can even be potentially harmful. I do think some of the disdain is rooted in—dare I say it—jealousy of the large followings influencers can amass, but for the most part I wholeheartedly agree with the critics.

In my roundabout journey to where I am now in the fitness profession, some would say I did things backwards: I built a following around my passion for health and fitness and then I started taking the necessary steps away from “enthusiast” and closer to “expert” through certifications, courses and hands-on experience. I’m still far from an expert at anything—except Spice Girls trivia—but I’m a hell of a lot more qualified now than I was when I started the blog in 2012.

I look back at old workout posts and cringe a little. My form demonstrating some exercises in those workout “tutorials” is incorrect and I honestly had no business putting that out into the interwebs. I stand behind the fact that those are still solid workouts (effective routines, sequenced in a challenging but logical way), but I wasn’t qualified to teach the how behind the execution of them. “Fake it ’till you make it” is great advice for most things in life, but when you’re dealing with someone’s health, you should have at least a foundational knowledge base.

I’ve called myself out on that before and even did a blog post correcting my own form. As I gradually go through the archives and create videos for old workout routines, I’m also going to update any tutorial pictures with improper alignment.

While I didn’t do this when I first started blogging, I now take care to only post authoritatively about subjects I’m confident teaching to others. Can I answer questions people may have about this? Do I have personal experience in this area? Do I know my shit or am I just consulting Google? That’s a big reason I don’t post many kettlebell workouts anymore, despite the number of requests I get for them (sorry, guys!). I know I personally can safely work out with kettlebells using proper form, but could I teach someone else how to? Some moves, sure! But without first taking a kettlebell course or working with someone who’s certified, I’m not completely comfortable creating workouts with snatches, turkish get-ups, etc. That, however, does not mean I’ll never post another kb workout again because …

I love the learning and teaching process. School was my jam growing up! I’m genuinely passionate about learning all I can about health and fitness and sharing what I learn with you all here. As my aromatherapy certification comes to an end, I’m already looking to the next course—pre/post natal fitness, corrective exercise, yoga, kettlebells, TRX, kinesiology, my list goes on. I don’t just want to be an influencer, I really want to know my shit.

So all that being said, do I think you should hold off on starting a blog or a fitness IG account until you’re an expert? Actually, no, quite the opposite. Go for it! Just be honest and don’t position yourself as an authority on something you’re not (something I did at first and shouldn’t have). There’s great value in sharing your personal experience and your learning process.

I was listening to an audiobook of Gary V’s the other month and he said, in terms of building a successful online presence, “It’s not about how much you know; it’s about how much you care.” I think the reason this rings so true is because if you do truly care, you will (eventually) know a lot. You’ll care so much that you want to soak up every last bit of information you can on the subject, and as you do, your followers/subscribers/readers/clients will increasingly benefit. You don’t have to be perfect to start (or ever) as long as you share your learning journey honestly.

So why the random stream of thought on this fine Wednesday? Well it’s a topic I think about often. I care a lot that I’m *both* an authority and an influencer/blogger—and that I’m seen that way by others (<– I need to care about this last part less!). I absolutely love blogging so why am I so reluctant to call myself “just” a blogger? This conflict weighs especially strong today—the first day of my month away from teaching and focusing 100% on Pumps. I think a part of me feels like teaching group classes legitimizes me as a fitness professional and without it I’ll be somehow less than. I’m feeling a little fearful and defensive … and I think that’s a sign I’m doing the right thing.

I don’t have a neat way to tie up this blog post of verbal diarrhea. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject though! Does the term “influencer” have a negative connotation to you? Or do you associate it with expertise? Are you more likely to take fitness advice from someone you follow online/social media or an instructor/trainer/etc. you see in person? Let’s talk!

xo Nicole