The Rise of Gymfluencers: How Unrealistic Ideals Are Shaping Young Men’s Minds and Bodies

Date: Thursday 22 May 2025

“In the current economic climate, the fitness industry is a very appealing place,”- James Smith, a personal trainer, influencer and author who has been open about using steroids in his early 20s. “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"

In a world where likes and follows dictate worth, the surge of fitness influencers has created a culture of unattainable perfection. From AI-enhanced images to steroid-fueled physiques, these gymfluencers sell more than workout plans—they sell a dream that often comes at the cost of mental and physical wellbeing.

"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. 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?”- James Smith

For young men navigating their identity, the pressure to conform to these ideals can lead to dangerous behaviours and a distorted sense of self. This article explores the hidden dangers of gym culture, the impact of social media, and the steps we can take to foster healthier, more authentic conversations about strength and masculinity.

Here in the quiet, let’s take a moment to reflect on the world of fitness influencers—the secrets they keep, the lies they tell, and the impact they have on young men searching for strength, confidence, and belonging.

The story of Brian “Liver King” Johnson is a cautionary tale, but it’s not an isolated one. His raw-meat-to-ripped-abs regime, later exposed as a façade propped up by $11,000-a-month steroid use, is just one example of the deception woven into the fabric of modern fitness culture. For many young men, these influencers represent an ideal—a promise that with enough discipline, the perfect body is within reach. But what happens when that promise is built on lies?

The rise of social media has made it easier than ever to sell an image. A few hundred thousand followers, some well-lit photos, and a catchy tagline can turn anyone into a fitness guru. But behind the scenes, the reality is often far less glamorous. Steroid use, extreme diets, and unsustainable routines are hidden behind claims of “hard work” and “clean eating.” The result? A generation of young men chasing unattainable ideals, often at the expense of their mental and physical health.

The numbers tell a sobering story. A 2022 survey found that nearly a quarter of men “rarely” or “never” feel body confident. By 2024, studies showed that active social media users frequently report lower satisfaction with their bodies. The constant exposure to curated, enhanced, and often manipulated images creates a distorted reality—one where self-worth is tied to appearance, and anything less than perfection feels like failure.

For some, the pressure leads to dangerous behaviors: compulsive exercise, restrictive dieting, or even turning to performance-enhancing drugs. The allure is understandable. As one influencer admitted, “When I first took testosterone in my twenties, I climbed the status hierarchy in 12 weeks.” The temptation to shortcut the hard work, to achieve the impossible, is strong—especially when the rewards seem so tangible.

But what’s the cost? Beyond the physical risks of steroid use or extreme dieting, there’s a deeper toll. The constant comparison, the feeling of never being enough, the isolation that comes from hiding struggles behind a façade of strength—it’s a heavy burden to bear. And for many young men, it’s a burden they carry alone.

So where do we go from here? Perhaps the answer lies in transparency. Influencers who openly discuss their methods, including the risks and realities of enhancement, can help demystify the process. But more importantly, we need to shift the focus of fitness culture itself. Instead of chasing aesthetics, what if we prioritized health, strength, and quality of life? What if the goal wasn’t a perfect body, but a life lived fully and well?

Here in the Third Space, we don’t need to have all the answers. But we can hold space for the questions. What does strength mean to you? What would it look like to pursue fitness on your own terms, free from the noise of social media and the pressure to conform? If that’s what’s showing up for you today, we can stay with it.

Read the full story here: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/may/15/fake-fitness-influencers-the-secrets-and-lies-behind-the-worlds-most-enviable-physiques

Want to know more about body image, Diet and wellbeing, the gut-brain axis? Have a chat with BraveheartGPT below