Social media can be a useful way to share information and pick up new ideas. But it also has downsides, and when it comes to our health and wellbeing we need to be careful about which trends to follow.
Are people copying fitness trends?
Many people see fitness trends online and try to replicate them. A poll of 2,000 UK adults by European lingerie brand Hunkemoller found that more than a quarter (28%) of over-18s had tried at least one wellness or fitness trend after seeing it on social media. Another one in six (17%) said they’d like to try an online trend but haven’t yet.
Men were slightly more likely than women to be influenced by viral trends: 27% of men said they’d tried one or more trends compared with 21% of women. Younger people were the most likely to be swayed by social media—more than half of 18–24-year-olds said they’d tried at least one viral fitness trend.
Not every experience is positive. About 18% said they’d had a negative experience trying a viral fitness trend, while around 60% of those who tried a TikTok fitness trend reported a positive outcome.
What fitness trends are people trying?
Trends shift quickly, but the survey named several popular TikTok fitness and wellness fads tried by Brits:
– Gallon of Water a Day Challenge — 34%
– 100 Rep Challenge — 27%
– Burning 600 Calories in 60 Minutes — 24%
– Skip/Jump Rope Challenge — 24%
– Pilates — 24%
– The Treadmill Strut — 21%
– Hot Girl Walks — 20%
– 12-3-30 — 17%
– 75 Hard Challenge — 16%
– Drinking “Proffee” — 16%
What to keep in mind
If you’re thinking of trying an online fitness or wellness trend, remember that what works for one person might not work for you. Just because someone on social media got great results doesn’t mean you will.
Popularity doesn’t equal safety. Some trends can be harmful, especially if they ignore your medical history or fitness level. The person promoting a trend online doesn’t know your health, so it’s important to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine or making big changes to your diet—especially if you have existing health issues.
Some trends are harmless or even helpful—like “Hot Girl Walks,” which encourage daily walks outside—but others aren’t backed by experts. Generally, social media isn’t the best place to look for health advice. If a trend inspires you, talk it over with a healthcare professional first.
Author bio
Sarah Johnson is a UK-based content writer who enjoys writing about fashion and lifestyle. Her work has appeared on a variety of sites covering many topics.