Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
Between work, cooking, chores, kids, the occasional social life, and everything else adulthood throws our way, finding the motivation to exercise isn’t easy. That’s why so many of us look for inspiration to keep going—whether it’s new workout gear, progress pics, or a bit of outside encouragement.
For many, that encouragement comes from fitness influencers. And to be fair, plenty of them are genuine experts who share solid advice on training and healthy living. But mixed in with the professionals are those who care more about likes and sponsorships than helping anyone, and their “tips” can sometimes do more harm than good.
That’s where the subreddit r/gymsnark steps in, calling out the most dishonest, clueless, or downright embarrassing influencers. Scroll down to see some of their best roasts.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
This Is The Kind Of Attitude I Wish Some Influencers Had
RELATED:
#2
Some Fitfluencers Need To Realize This
#3
I Hope This Becomes The Norm
Given that the whole point of exercising, unless you’re aiming to be a professional athlete, is to improve your health, it’s pretty heartbreaking when something so positive gets twisted into a tool for deception by those chasing fame and profit.
To make money and build clout, some gym influencers bend the truth in all sorts of ways. They promote impossible physiques by heavily editing photos or using performance-enhancing medication, while others push “miracle” weight-loss products that can do more harm than good.
Instead of helping, these practices mislead followers who genuinely want advice, creating a culture of insecurity and spreading dangerous misinformation.
#4
Scream It For Laura Sitting In The Back Row
#5
Just Thought This Was Funny And Wanted To Share
#6
Now Show Me How You Did From 25 To 35
Giraffe Sitter 2 months ago
For the sake of your sanity, don’t use others’ “glow up” pics to measure yourself. They’re almost certainly edited (or altogether fake) and they may also spend 6 hours a day at the gym, take steroids, or just have lucky genes you don’t.
When you’re on the receiving end of all this, it’s hard not to wonder: why would anyone risk their own health, and that of others, just to sell a lie? The answer, unfortunately, is simple: it’s lucrative.
“In the current economic climate, the fitness industry is a very appealing place,” James Smith, a personal trainer, fitness influencer and bestselling author who has been open about using steroids in his early 20s, told The Guardian.
#7
Seems Apt
PhaseWitFact 2 months ago
Same with cars. At least in America, cars come in various shades of grey, white, and black. If it's an expensive sports car there is a red option. Occasionally they'll put a dab of color in the grey and you can even see it when the light hits it just right.
#8
Had To Post This Here. No One Has Respect For The Forbes 30 Under 30 🤣
#9
Okay I’m Not Gunna Lie… The Comment On This Photo Made Me LOL 😂☠️
“If you’ve got decent genetics, you’re a decent coach and have a grasp of marketing, you can unlock a very good income selling workouts and training plans. So maybe you take a little bit of testosterone to get a little leg up, and suddenly you’re getting compliments at the gym and posting record lifts on Instagram,” Smith explains.
“Surely a bit of human growth hormone couldn’t hurt? OK, business is now at an all-time high; followers are coming up to you and asking about reps and sets. You’ve dug yourself a hole that is hard to get out of. What do you do now? Tell your audience you’re on steroids?”
#10
Reminded Me Of Laura…
SleepyVampire 2 months ago
I have four kids. None of them has ever had an IPad. This is because we cannot afford four IPads, as we have four kids. They have Kindles instead.
#11
Just Going To Leave This Here…
#12
I Had To Bring This Here…
The problem is, it does hurt people. Followers who trust their favorite creators might push themselves to the brink trying to achieve the same look, or sink into despair comparing themselves to a lifestyle that was never real in the first place.
#13
Loool
#14
Immediately Thought Of This Sub 💀
#15
To Literally All The Wellness Fitfluencers That Stalk This Page…
And the numbers reflect this pressure.
A 2022 survey from social enterprise Better found that 23% of men and 42% of women “rarely” or “never” feel body confident.
A smaller study in 2024 went further, showing that heavy social media users who constantly liked and commented on content were less satisfied with their bodies and more likely to feel negatively about their appearance.
#16
Obgyn I Found Via Igfamousbydana Posting About Influencers And Their Weird Obsession With Telling People To Go Off Of Birth Control 😀
#17
‘The Heat Is Unbearable’ But Let Me Take My Huskies For A Walk On The Hot Concrete. Does This Girl Have Any Actual Brain Cells?
#18
I Feel Like This Belongs Here 😂
Once you fall down that rabbit hole, the cycle is addictive: endless videos promising “abs in 5 days” or “the workout that will change everything.”
In reality, muscle takes time to build. As personal trainer Dan Roberts, who has coached actors and Broadway performers, notes, suddenly packing on huge amounts of it is usually a red flag that it wasn’t done naturally.
#19
I Say This Over And Over
#20
Y’all I Feel Like This Belongs Here 💀
#21
Megsquats Keeping It Real
Then there’s the whole “grind culture” mentality—the idea that pushing yourself until you collapse somehow proves your dedication. Some influencers glorify the pain, but experts say pain is not the badge of honor it’s made out to be.
The idea that you’re extremely sore after your workout isn’t a reliable indicator that the workout has been effective, explains Lisa Keer, NBC-HWC, CEC. Real pain signals something is wrong. Mild discomfort that fades is normal, and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) just means you pushed past your current limits. Over time, less soreness actually shows progress, not failure.
So instead of chasing soreness or someone else’s highlight reel the focus should be on safe, steady growth. Progressive overload, where you gradually increase weight, reps, or intensity, ensures real improvement without risking injury.
#22
☕️🐸
#23
To Do A Photo Shoot At Your Dads Funeral Is Craaaazy
#24
First Thing I See This Morning On Ig💀
Smith believes real change can only happen if influencers are honest about what they’re doing to look the way they do and the risks that come with it. Roberts adds that shifting the perspective of fitness away from unattainable aesthetics and toward genuine health is what could truly help.
“When it comes to our health, there are so many actually proven things we can do to live longer, be happier, fitter, stronger,” Roberts says. “The good information is out there—we just have to look for it through all the noise and nonsense.”
#25
When Influencers Completely Ignore Signs In Nature And Then Proudly Brag About It To Hundreds Of Followers. 🤬🤬
#26
Absolute Main Character Places A Newborn In Unsafe Environment
#27
Actually, Ally, The Adults Are Just Waiting For Their Morning Coffee
#28
Not Stephanie Buttermore Using The Exact Same Dented Alani Nu Can From Dec 28 And Pretending Like She’s Drinking It Today
Michele Ferretto 2 months ago
Apparently I’m from another planet, because I’ve never heard of ‘Alani Nu’ or ‘Stephanie Buttermore.’ Seriously, who’s out here following her?!
#29
Social Media Ain’t Worth Destroying Your Mental Health Over. It’s Mostly Fake!
Wang Zhuang 2 months ago
Part of me wants the internet to shut down for a couple of months so these influencers would roll over on their backs and die like the roaches they are
#30
Thought This Was Hilarious
#31
Imagine Being Old And Someone Just Starts Sobbing At Your Existence
#32
So Reported Ba For Their Illegal Use Of The Paint Mines And Got A Reply Back From El Paso County Parks Dept
#33
The Dust Devil Pattern Looks Awfully Similar To My Cat 😂
#34
The Infamous Greg On Twitter Got Him 🤣🤣
#35
Knew This Looked Familiar
#36
When You Can’t Be Bothered To Write Your Own Caption
#37
It’s…barely Bloated And Sticking Out. What A “Brave” Post Showing The Rest Of Us Women What’s Normal
highwaycrossingfrog 2 months ago
I could be imagining things but the bars on that dog cage looked warped, like she's photoshopped her bloated tummy *smaller* for a post talking about it being ok to have a bloated tummy
#39
✨racist Check✨
#40
If My Husband To Be Shows Up In Khaki Shorts And Sneakers To Our Wedding Then Im Leaving Him At The Alter
Child of the Stars 2 months ago
My wedding was a costume party based on Firefly. My brother's was on Halloween where he was a werewolf and she was a vampire. As long as they're both on board with what they're wearing, why should any of us judge? It's not like he's getting married in a ratty undershirt and holey boxer briefs.
#41
😰😰😰
#42
This Is The Kind Of Stuff That Makes Me Instantly Unfollow (Aliyiahjayy_)
Steinem Sukker Rumpe 2 months ago
It's 178g of chicken. Why all this fuss about how to get protein in. Chocolate bars, shakes, drinks, granola. Am I missing something? Why not eat actual protein and avoid ultra processed c**p protein"?
#43
Stephanie Buttermore… Why Do You Keep Reusing Food Pics From A Year Ago? No One Is Forcing You To Post Your Food Every Day. She Did It Last Week Too
Lady Eowyn 2 months ago
I don't know who any of these people are, and I don't want to know. I feel sorry for all the people desperate enough to fall for their BS>
#44
Someone Get This Girl An Actual Job
#45
Saw This On Twitter And Thought You'd All Find It Funny. Some People In The Comments Were Taking It Way Too Seriously 😂
#46
Megsquats Spitting Facts 🗣️
#47
Instantly Reminded Me Of This Vegan Bacon
Lady Eowyn 2 months ago
There's no such thing as vegan bacon! Vegans can call it what they like, but it will never be bacon.
#48
I Could Probably Still Fit In A Size Xs Oh Shut Up
Stephanie Did It 2 months ago
I worked with a person who claimed to be a former model. She was pretty, but she groomed and primped herself all day long. She bragged about counting the calories in every bite she ate while modeling. Later, I learned that she had a young disabled son. She explained that she bound herself so tightly to hide her pregnancy that her child was born with permanent damage, but hey! She kept her figure, voila!
#49
Been Waiting For The Tea..makayla You Clearly Are A Homewrecker
Michele Ferretto 2 months ago
I’m lost. Nothing makes sense. And seriously, are we actually supposed to know who the heck this "Makayla" is?
#50
Shut Up Mik
#52
It’s The Guccis With Nike Ankle Socks For Me
Pittsburgh rare 2 months ago
Or the jacket sleeves much shorter than the shirt's. Or the unbuttoned shirt under the tie. Just wear a tracksuit and stop pretending
#53
Peptides Eh?
Lady Chelsea (LadyChelseaoftheVoid) 2 months ago
your t level is supposed to be low as a woman. 🤦♀️elevated levels lead to cystic acne, ovary cysts, weight gain, and facial hair.
#54
@megsquats Cracks Me Up
#55
Straight Up Mean Girl Energy @millllirock
Sally Moen 2 months ago
Man, it must SUCK to not have the plump baby photos for your BEFORE photos
#56
When A Person Who Works From Home And Quite Literally Relies On Their Physique For Income Says Stuff Like This
#57
Is It Just Me Or Is This Just The Saddest Of Bland Looking Meals?
#58
Maybe You Shouldn’t Be Tho… @dalalovesdumbbells
#60
2.5 Hrs Work = Monday Is *so Filled* @rachell_price
#61
Does She Expect People Who Work At Local Bakeries To Know Who She Is/Follow Her??? Sorry You’re Not A Celebrity…
Colleen Glim 2 months ago
Congratulations! You bought the last almond croissant! Do you really think the minimum wage girl behind the counter gives a sh*t?! A sale is a sale. And you have some serious main character syndrome happening
#62
So Out Of Touch With Reality. Throwing A Blazer Over A Club Dress Does Not Make It Business Casual, And Hr Would S**t A Brick If Someone Wore This To An Office 💀
#63
Basically
#64
Hands Down The Most Obvious Bought-But-Trying-To-Convince-Everyone-It’s-Built Ever Seen 😂😵💫 (Kim K Incase Ya Didn’t Know LOL)
Child of the Stars 2 months ago (edited)
You know what makes a good butt exercise? Walking up a hill. I've lived at the top of a short but steep hill for 6 years, and walking up it a minimum of 5x/week has done wonders for my glutes.
#65
This!!!!!!! Mad Respect To The Both Of Them
Wang Zhuang 2 months ago
"Not that I feel obligated to share with you guys"... sorry, can you help me find my eyes? They rolled right out of my sockets
#66
I Would Be So Frustrated As An Employee To See My Boss Post On Social Media Like This
#68
Who The Hell Takes Time Out Of Their Day To Publicly Blast A Minimum Wage Employee To Their Followers? She’s A Freaking Clown
#69
Haters Will Say It's Photoshopped
#70
We Get It: You're So Much Better Than The Rest Of Us Lazy Folks
Lady Eowyn 2 months ago
And if you believe that, there's this nice bridge in Brooklyn I can get you a good deal on.
#71
Joey Swoll Ragequit
MalayDragon 2 months ago
Backstory, When Hulk Hogan Passed away Joey posted a picture of himself in a costume at the gym from years ago (Before all the allegations against Hulk Hogan came out). He was just paying his respects to the family. Queue the mountain of haters who jumped on the post and accused him of horrible things in attempt to damage his reputation and discredit him in an attempt to get him cancelled. He did take a break from socials for a little while but realised that the vast majority of people realised that the minority we're just clutching at straws for something to get him cancelled.
#72
I’m Just Going To Leave This Here…
#73
Here’s Stephanie Buttermore (Claire) Recycling Old Content Again. Peep The Old Profile Pic From Back In March 2021 In The Left Pic. Why?!
#74
Why Do We Need Know????
Cindy Brick 2 months ago
I"m not sure, but think this is the "tired" person who just knows that no one else has been as fatigured as she is, etc etc.
#75
Alexia Clark
Add New Image
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Schnitzel 2 months ago
This is an honest question and not necessarily related to this post. What has happened to humans, in general? Husband and I have had our own companies since 2016 and they are very public; we need customers/clients. The change I’ve seen the last few years is terrifying! Some days I sit in our store and honestly think I’m on hidden camera because what I’m witnessing is completely whack! Either people seem high, and erratic, as kites or they appear more like zombies and just stare into oblivion. This is not saying I’m 100% normal because I’m not, but I like to think that I can at least fake some sense of normality outside my house.
Lee Gilliland 2 months ago
we've been dangerously whacked since Covid. It was weird before, but that's about the time of the sea change.
Load More Replies...
The Majestic Opossum 2 months ago
OMG, why did I read this whole thing?! I don't think I understood most of it 😫
Schnitzel 2 months ago
This is an honest question and not necessarily related to this post. What has happened to humans, in general? Husband and I have had our own companies since 2016 and they are very public; we need customers/clients. The change I’ve seen the last few years is terrifying! Some days I sit in our store and honestly think I’m on hidden camera because what I’m witnessing is completely whack! Either people seem high, and erratic, as kites or they appear more like zombies and just stare into oblivion. This is not saying I’m 100% normal because I’m not, but I like to think that I can at least fake some sense of normality outside my house.
Lee Gilliland 2 months ago
we've been dangerously whacked since Covid. It was weird before, but that's about the time of the sea change.
Load More Replies... The Majestic Opossum 2 months ago
OMG, why did I read this whole thing?! I don't think I understood most of it 😫
You May Like "Don't Test Me, I'm Already Broken": 30 Hilarious Memes From This Online Group For Programmers 135 Dark Jokes That'll Make You Feel Guilty For Laughing Laughter Is The Best Medicine And These 98 Bad Situations Prove It
Rugilė Žemaitytė
Miglė
Aivaras Kaziukonis
Related on Bored Panda
