eng 108 draft revision

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Apr 3, 2024

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k a r n a n i | 1 Yuvraj Karnani Mr. Colin Bonini ENG 108 5 February 2024 The Controversial World Of Fitness Influencers Having carried a little extra weight as a child, I was naturally curious about fitness. I started with home workouts and gradually made my way into the gym. Being a beginner in this area and not knowing what to do led me to discover Fitness Influencers. However, when I ventured into the realm of fitness influencers, my investigation into fitness took an unexpected turn on the internet. Indian influencer “Saket Ghokale” is one of my favourite. His ability to produce fitness content in Hindi, my mother tongue, plus his simple, beginner- friendly principles are what make him appealing. I find that Ghokale's simplicity makes exercising more approachable. However, when I dug deeper into the enormous terrain of the fitness industry, I learned that not all influencers are equally valuable. The digital rabbit hole reveals inconsistencies in the quality of exercise information. While influencers like Ghokale provide useful and beginner-friendly advice, others in the field may not be as good. This revelation drove me to seriously evaluate the broader impact of fitness influencers and the various techniques they take. In this era of social media dominance, social media influencers have emerged as powerful figures who have a huge impact on the fitness industry, especially on younger generation. These individuals often have a sculpted physique, which they flaunt by utilizing various social media services like YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. Most of these influencers also

k a r n a n i | 2 share workout routines, diets, and motivational content on their respective platforms. Proponents have a say in favour of the influencers, stating that they have a pivotal role in positively influencing the masses. The educate and motivate the masses on the topic of fitness. On the other hand, the skeptics of the influencers contend that the world of influencers is filled with misinformation, unrealistic body standards and a culture that contributes to body image issues. This essay argues that although fitness influencers can be effective marketing tools and motivating role models, they also have the potential to propagate false information and perpetuate harmful body ideals. This essay clarifies the complicated and subtle nature of the influence that fitness influencers have in today's culture by critically examining both viewpoints. The first article, “The Impact of Fitness Influencers”, by Mark Agyakwa, states how the rise of fitness gurus on social media is changing public perceptions of athleticism and marketing influence. Initially rejected for a lack of traditional sports aptitude, these influencers are earning respect for their relatability and strong social media presence. Their accessibility and relatability make them excellent influencers, particularly for firms looking for low-cost marketing options. While professional athletes remain appealing, influencers connect more directly with customers, proving to be important assets for companies, particularly in sports and fitness. Companies like Gymshark, for example, make good use of influencer marketing. This tendency extends beyond sports, with influencers serving as role models and inspirations for young people. Despite some skepticism from major corporations such as Nike and Adidas, acknowledging influencers' significance may result in more effective marketing methods. Sponsoring well-known fitness influencers such as Michelle Lewin alongside professional athletes may increase brand awareness and engagement, reflecting the changing nature of athlete influence in the digital era.

k a r n a n i | 3 Many fitness influencers, especially in third-world countries, come from humble backgrounds and use the resources available to them to generate their content. For example, an Indian fitness influencer by the name of Ankit Baiyanpuriya, who is from the rural parts of India, has been in the limelight as he has motivated a lot of people by having a jacked physique without even having a gym or proper nutrition. The factor of relatability is what made him this famous and helped him motivate and inspire more people like him who live in rural parts of the country to take care of their health and prioritize fitness. “The fitness influencer was raised by laborer parents, according to HT reports. His workout techniques not only focused on physical health but also on mental well-being”(Mint). The author of the article uses various rhetorical devices to appeal to the audience. To appeal to Ethos, the author developes credibility by referring to their own experience and perspective, particularly as a semi-pro athlete and prospective professional athlete. This adds credibility to their research of the fitness influencer phenomenon. "As someone who doesn't come from the fitness space, I first dismissed the impact fitness influencers have on Instagram because they don't really tend to have a talent or skill in terms of sport because they are just 'influencers'..."(Agyakwa). For Pathos, the author appeals to emotions, underlining the relatability and accessibility of fitness influencers as opposed to professional sportsmen. They emphasize the connection that influencers may have with their audience, making them better role models. "Everyone is on social media and part of being an influencer is your social media presence in which when you analyse the top influencers, they are very active, multiple posts per day, active insta stories, so Instagram is integrated into their daily lives and is a very direct way to communicate with their fans and followers."(Agyakwa).

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k a r n a n i | 4 The author uses logical reasoning, which appeals to Logos, that back up their position, such as examining the practical benefits of using fitness influencers as marketing tools, particularly for smaller firms with limited resources. They provide a compelling case for the efficacy of this technique. "For sportswear brands that don't have the resources or money to sponsor elite athletes, fitness influencers are an underpriced marketing tool, especially at a 'micro' level for start- ups."(Agyakwa). The author understands the timely significance of the movement in marketing methods toward the use of influencers, especially given the dominance of social media. They underline the significance of adjusting to current trends and customer behavior. This is an appeal to Kairos. "Now young people look up to these influencers who are not professional athletes but have an impact in inspiring people through fitness and training have become very powerful and role models to many."(Agyakwa) The second article, “Most Fitness Influencers Do More Harm than Good”, by Danielle Friedman tells a completely different story than the previous one. It says that According to one study done by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, more than 70% of Americans have been exposed to medical misinformation, of which 82% has come from social media applications like Instagram, TikTok and Youtube. According to research provided by World Institute of Disability, such content might cause body dissatisfaction and poor exercise behaviors. To discover reputable accounts, experts suggest examining how an influencer's post makes you feel; if it makes you feel guilty or ashamed, unfollow. Encourage kids to scrutinize social media content and refrain from comparing themselves online. Look for influencers who prioritize functional fitness, strength, and mental wellness overlooks. Avoid those that use before-and-after images

k a r n a n i | 5 or objectify specific body parts. Seek for individuals with official qualifications in their industry, and be wary of advise that goes beyond their area of expertise, especially when it comes to nutrition. Prioritize influencers that represent a variety of body shapes, ages, and abilities, challenging preconceptions and encouraging inclusion in fitness. Following these rules can help people have a healthier connection with exercise and body image on social media. From testosterone boosters to Tren, some fitness gurus have taken performance-enhancing drugs in order to achieve a sculpted physique and establish prominence based on their appearance. As a result, their followers feel that steroids are a quick way to get a great physique."We aren't talking about the bulk monsters of professional bodybuilding here. There are many'regular' gym bros who use PEDs on a daily basis.(Cringean). These shady influencers mislead individuals into believing that steroid use is safe, despite several studies showing how steroid use harms the body in a variety of ways. Some influencers go even farther, not disclosing to their audience that they are using steroids and leading people to assume that they have attained the body on their own, as well as marketing useless products to their followers out of trust."Anyone that tells you that they're not on steroids, they're a f*cking liar."(Holt). The 'liver king' is an obvious example of this. Brian Jonson, the Liver King, is a massive social media star with millions of followers across all of his platforms. He considers himself the "CEO of the Ancestral Lifestyle" and is noted for consuming a lot of organ meats (particularly raw liver) and preaching virtues like resilience, bonding, activity, and so on with the goal of "returning people to strength and happiness". What others didn't realize was that his Greek god-like body was the product of steroids, 11,000 dollars per month of steroids. “He admitted in a YouTube video, which now has almost 4 million views, that he was taking roughly $11,000 of steroids a month. Next, he was hit with a $25 million

k a r n a n i | 6 lawsuit claiming he used deceptive marketing for his Ancestral Supplements, which he says have generated more than $100 million in sales a year”(Xie). In the second article, by Danielle Friedman, the author makes good use of rhetorical devices to appeal the audience In this quotation, the author uses Renee Engeln's authority as a professor at a prestigious university to provide weight to the thesis that certain fitness influencers have a harmful impact which appeals to Ethos. "Renee Engeln, a professor of psychology at Northwestern University who studies how media influences body image and was not involved in the research" (Friedman). The author uses emotions like guilt and body shame to persuade readers to reconsider following some fitness celebrities, which appeals to Pathos, in turn appealing to their concerns about their mental and physical well-being. "If browsing the account leads you to feel guilt or body shame, she said, that should be an automatic unfollow, as research has shown that these feelings can fuel unhealthy fitness habits..." (Friedman). This statement gives a logical guideline for selecting credible fit-fluencers, as an appeal to Logos, by highlighting the relevance of formal credentials and expertise while appealing to the reader's sense of reason. "Instead, look for references to their credentials and experience, whether it's a master's degree or a coaching certificate." (Friedman). This comment emphasizes the importance of the argument in light of current worries about the impact of social media on teenagers' mental health, making it timely and relevant which acts as an appeal to Kairos.

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k a r n a n i | 7 "If you're a parent of teenagers with social media accounts, it's important to guide them through the same process, according to newly issued recommendations from the American Psychological Association."(Friedman). In my opinion, fitness influencers wield a double-edged sword. On the one hand, people like Saket Ghokale and Ankit Baiyanpuriya provide important advice and motivation, particularly for newcomers like me who may be frightened by traditional workout venues. Their relevant experiences and straightforward, beginner-friendly principles make exercise more engaging and accessible to a larger audience. However, the darker side of fitness influencers, as discussed in the second piece, cannot be overlooked. The promotion of unattainable body ideals, disinformation about exercise and diet, and even the support of performance- enhancing substances are all important concerns that can harm people's physical and mental health. As someone who has personally benefited from the positive features of fitness influencers, I feel it is crucial for people to critically analyze the information they consume and prioritize following influencers that value authenticity, inclusion, and evidence-based practices. In conclusion, while fitness influencers clearly have a substantial impact on public perceptions of athletics and marketing methods, their impact is not always favorable. The various narratives offered in the two pieces highlight the complexities of this problem. While some claim that influencers are relatable and accessible as role models and sources of motivation, others caution about the hazards of disinformation and unrealistic body standards spread by some influencers. Works Cited 1. Dogson,Lindsay “Steroids are rampant among fitness influencers, trainers and bodybuilders say. Most use in secret, claiming their gains come from workouts and diet plans.” Feb 3, 2022

k a r n a n i | 8 https://www.businessinsider.com/fitness-influencers-steroids-secret-dangerous-body- dysmorphia 2. Cringean, Daniel “‘Nothing More Discouraging’, Fitness Expert’s Harsh Reminder Of Steroid Use” November 11, 2022 https://www.dmarge.com/steroid-side-effects 3. Friedman, Danielle “ Most Fitness Influencers Do More Harm than Good ” May 10, 2023 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/10/well/move/fitness-influencers.html 4. Mint “Who is Ankit Baiyanpuria, a fitness influencer who joined PM Modi in Swachh Bharat Mission?” Oct 1, 2023 https://www.livemint.com/news/india/who-is-ankit-baiyanpuria-a-fitness-influencer-who- joined-pm-modi-in-swachh-bharat-mission-11696148895474.html 5. Agyakwa, Mark “The Impact Of Fitness Influencers” May 1, 2017 https://medium.com/@MarkAgyakz/the-impact-of-fitness-influencers-cac62e42faf3 6. Xie, Teressa “Raw Meat-Eating Liver King And Other Health Influencers Face Mounting Lawsuits” Sept 22, 2023 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-22/liver-king-steroids-video-inspires- wave-of-lawsuits 7. Ramakrishnan, Anagha “Stop taking health advice from social media influencers” Dec 12, 2022 https://www.ajc.com/pulse/stop-taking-health-advice-from-social-media-influencers/ 4E3S47KWFVHPBC5I6HHVP2RXEI/ 8. Soyer, Hannah “Instagram & Body Dysmorphia: How Heavily Edited Photos Cause Mental Illness & Ableism” https://wid.org/instagram-body-dysmorphia/ Revision Reflection Several significant changes were made to the essay in order to improve clarity, coherence, and alignment with the requirements when it was revised in accordance with the rubric criteria. At first, the essay did not go far enough in addressing some of the points mentioned in the rubric, which made a deeper examination of pertinent subjects necessary. Through a thorough examination of every criterion, extra data was added to offer a thorough analysis

k a r n a n i | 9 and a stronger answer. Additionally, grammatical improvements were made to make the text easier to read and express ideas more clearly. Sentence patterns were polished, removing repetitions and ambiguities without compromising the essay's coherence. Grammar and syntax conventions were also taken into consideration to improve the writing's overall quality. To further bolster claims and increase the essay's persuasiveness, more particular instances and supporting data were included. This required carrying out more study to compile pertinent information and anecdotes, enhancing the substance and strengthening its authority. Overall, the changes made in response to the rubric criteria improved the essay's syntax and structure while also strengthening its analysis and persuasiveness by adding more details and supporting evidence. This iterative procedure shows a dedication to reaching and surpassing the required standards while aiming for excellence in presentation and substance.

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