Fitness influencers are out of touch.

[@elenakalliste]

I think the biggest issue that a lot of people have with fitness influencers is the “look at my body, I obviously know what I’m talking about” or the “if you do what I do, you’ll look like me” type of marketing. We all have different genetics, different lifestyles and different levels of executive function/abilities and different goals. And so many fitness influencers try to flatten all of that into a one size fits all approach that is usually fairly condescending (like “we all have the same 24 hours in a day” kind of nonsense) and sometimes actually induces shame or guilt (ironically, probably increasing cortisol) because they’re trying to be good/follow someone’s advice. This is why I love your advice that is actually applicable to most people, and that you never show us your midriff as a proof that you know more than us watching. ❤

[@ArchIVEDCinema]

As a man, this is known as the age-old discipline of "bro-science". Another gym bro is always automatically right and you're automatically wrong if he's bigger than you. This is science. You can't argue with this.

[@elenakalliste]

@@ArchIVEDCinema eww

[@camillarich]

The "we all have the same 24 hours" drives me crazy the most. We all have different responsibilities that take different amounts of time.

[@elenakalliste]

@@camillarich truly!

[@LizT-qx3xl]

My favorite influencers do say that you have to work hard to look good... as you can. They make it a POINT to say that the people that you're (rhetorical you) looking up to have INSANE genetics... and time... and sometimes PEDs... and... and... If the influencer starts to guilt me into doing something I'm not there for, I get rid of them fun my feed.

[@emilyboulter5978]

I think it’s important to pick and choose what works for you. I really like drinking water and doing some gentle movement in the morning, but I am not waiting 90 min for coffee or going outside first thing. Sitting with my coffee in my pjs watching KZbin is the best part of my morning .

[@livingtheaz_life2029]

Me too in my bed with my heating pad over my stomach too❤❤❤❤ I live in az..I don't need the sun right away we have enough alllll dayyy

[@heyspeckle8782]

I also really have a problem with influencers putting so much responsibility and pressure on individual people to use "self care" for everything and if you still have, say, hormonal issues, it's your own fault cause you didn't care for yourself properly. I wish there was more emphasis on community care and a functioning health care system...

[@JustinaErcole]

YES THIS SAY IT LOUDER

[@r.a.r.1981]

I work in the healthcare industry, so whenever I hear someone say, "OMG, people know that influencers aren't doctors, they aren't going to actually listen to them for medical advice!", it makes me want to scream. YES. YES, PEOPLE DO LISTEN TO INFLUENCERS WHEN IT COMES TO MEDICAL ADVICE, IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. I've lost track of the number of people who believe completely nonsensical things because a pretty lady in spandex told them it was the key to living a long, healthy life. People have told me, in all seriousness, that taking a shot of apple cider vinegar is going to prevent cancer, or that the core workouts they do are going to detox their body of all the negative emotions that are making them overweight. And you know what? It's not even 100% their fault, because our healthcare system is nonexistent, and if they could actually see a fucking DOCTOR, they would not have to rely on TikTok. That doesn't excuse influencers from hopping on trends and preying on vulnerable people, but it's all part of a big, ugly system that needs a reboot. Sorry to be so pissed off, this is just something that triggers me, BIG time.

[@JustinaErcole]

THIS!

[@KaiOpaka]

The best way to use apple cider vinegar, everybody, is put 1 or 2 tablespoons (your preference) after making sugar free apple cider from a packet. Swiss Miss. Makes it taste like it came from fresh apples and won't spike your blood sugar. The main benefit is it's delicious.

[@kalaniblake8699]

I have to get up at 6am for my job, rain or shine, even in the pitch black of winter. All these messages about how bad it is to wake up to an alarm or how I am slowly killing myself by not having "slow mornings" was very unhelpful, actually caused me to have anxiety and feel defeated. A lot of people don't have the privilege of manufacturing the "perfect" morning, I'd love to see some influencers give tips for Amazon drivers, factory workers, shift workers, nurses, etc., that have to work long hours, early hours, or very late hours... how do we keep our cortisol low?? Not scrolling our phones isn't really the groundbreaking information they think it is...

[@JustinaErcole]

THIS

[@facepalm18]

My thoughts exactly. I clock in at 5am, so my morning is totally streamlined cause I'm not waking up earlier than I must. 😅

[@Wild_with_joy8]

Same here! Wake up at 5am everyday!

[@intotheblue5742]

I fell prey to this in my 20s. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me that I couldn’t sacrifice any sleep for a "good" morning routine. I’d do it for a week, then hit the snooze, then just set the alarm ten minutes later, and by the end of the month, my morning routine turned back into sleep. I honestly felt like I was failing at adulting because of all the fearmongering at the time that you’ll never succeed in life if you don’t meditate, journal, work out, stretch, and drink a green smoothie before starting your day. It took an embarrassing length of time for me to figure out my problem wasn’t laziness or lack of discipline, it was that I had to go to work from 8-5, and the influencers didn’t. I can do all the "perfect morning routine" things at other times of day that don't eat into sleep, and still benefit from them. There’s also an element of media literacy. If fitness girlies are already pretending they got plastic surgery bodies in the gym, what makes you think they’re being honest about anything else? They probably film those "morning routine" videos at 2pm and set the clocks wrong.

[@snophysh44]

I actually don’t put GrowWithJo in the modern fitness influencer genre. She feels in line with blogilates, Pamela Reif, Chloe Ting who all feel like video versions of old magazine workouts (How to lose X in ten days) Just feels really dated 😅

[@JustinaErcole]

Fair!

[@laurieann2714]

I was a personal trainer/fitness instructor and had been a registered dietitian. If I worked with a client on their diet, they would first need to get a complete physical and bloodwork first. Now I am a Respiratory Therapist and work out for myself. 28 years in the fitness industry burned me out and, while all this nonsense existed years ago, social media has made it rampant and I needed a change. Thank you for always speaking out with knowledge and humor!

[@eeshakhan1842]

I was a personal trainer for a year and it got so exhausting. I don't have thick enough skin to be patient with people that have unrealistic fitness expectations and goals and educate people to focus on how they feel rather than how they look.

[@bhavikashah7065]

I can't tell you how often my friends and I have discussed how infuriating it is to see influencers push the whole slow morning narrative. Some of us have jobs to get to and have to literally squeeze in a workout, breakfast, and shower in the morning. And medically speaking, this is not how cortisol works. Starting your day with coffee isn't going to spike your cortisol or cause a stress response or make you gain weight. A healthy lifestyle is good but making people feel guilty about not giving themselves a couple of hours before they start work is just wrong.

[@leni0210]

And then these influencers have the audacity to say "If you have to go to work in the morning, just set your alarm hours earlier so you can implement the morning routine, it's all about PrIoRItiZiNg!!!!" Yeah sure, I'll just get up at 4am so I can journal, workout, medidate and wait 90 min for my coffee..

[@MrsRivera777]

@@leni0210 such a joke smh

[@colleenodell8201]

Great video! I think many influencers prey on women's insecurities about their bodies. And so many women already have internalized guilt and feelings of failure for not living up to societal standards of unrealistic perfection about beauty, motherhood, "having it all" etc, it makes many women susceptible to these influencers' messaging around "improvement" or "being better" or "fixing what's wrong with you" - which is just more guilt-inducing and is terrible for women's self-esteem. It's also very lucrative for the influencers! Thanks for being a voice of reason and for posting videos like these! I love your channel and your messaging ❤

[@cjsfunbun]

Justina, judging by the comments it looks like your statements in the video are really resonating with a lot of people! They did with me too. I love how much you care and i hope your videos continue to reach the people who need to see them.

[@ArchIVEDCinema]

I never see a "morning routine" video that involves going to work, or dropping kids off at school or anything like that, lol

[@Esthie229]

I’m so sick of influencers obsession with making their life look perfect. It’s just so unrealistic, I unfollowed so many people. Like I’m not going to get up at 5 am, write in my gratitude journal, drink lemon water and do things to “regulate my cortisol” If I have to get up at 5 am the last f*cking thing I’m thinking about is things I’m grateful for😂 I get up, shower, drink my coffee, have breakfast and go to work Most people don’t have the time for a 3 hour morning routine🤦🏻‍♀️ Also, I love the giant mug. I use those too😂

[@rebeccashunn7976]

Love the awareness you bring to issues like this! Since finding your channel i have been far more careful about the fitness content i consume and how i let it affect me

[@qmalic3]

The continuing education one is the one that gets me - many moons ago my current partner was a personal trainer but got a new job and hasn’t been a practicing one since. Whenever we go to the gym together, every once and a while I’ll point out what he’s saying either a) doesn’t apply to me or my current goals or b) is outdated information, since things change so much. He’s a normal person, I don’t fault him for that, but he’s also not trying to sell me anything, unlike influencers.

[@cupofcozy708]

A few weeks ago, a fitness influencer was sharing a "what I eat in a day to fix my cortisol. " I commented asking her to put a disclaimer if this was something diagnosed and that she was working on with a medical team because cortisol is a trend right now. Most influencers are exploiting it without even having an actual issue. Luckily, she was cool about it, commented that she was and has put somewhat a disclaimer since. I got attacked in the comment section, though, that apparently it wasn't her responsibility to cater to other people who will take her videos as medical advice 😅

[@IzzysTravelDiaries]

I do get that a bit, because I often give the advice to take an aspirin before a long flight for blood clots. One time someone came at me that I'm suggesting a medicine. I was taken aback, because aspirin is so common to take, so I'd assume if you had an issue with it you'd know already. So yeah, sometimes you don't think to add stuff like "don't make that the first aspirin you take in your life" or something.

[@sammy_oooo]

This is why I truly love & appreciate your content: you are transparent & you are refreshing to watch in this bonkers sea of social media 😅

[@kaitlanlinnea]

I'm just gonna say it... I'm a stay at home mom. If we have time in the morning to chill, I don't want my kids in my bed. 🤪 Let mommy sleep, please!

[@JustinaErcole]

Hahahahahahaha I love this

[@tianamae667]

I was dubious when I first came across your channel, I was wary that all the videos looking at other fitness KZbinrs would be like the commentary channels where someone isn’t doing something that bad and it gets conflated and people hate on them blah blah blah but I am so glad I didn’t let that bias me into not watching at least one video because I have to say I now come to your videos first for advice, I have tried a couple of your workouts and I don’t think I’m at that level physically yet, don’t have a lot of space etc maybe I chose the wrong ones, but the videos like this where you sit and talk has genuinely helped in my mindset watching other KZbinrs. It can be SO HARD navigating this site and influencers are pushing their own agendas left right and centre and them going viral makes people think that’s the gospel truth on how to look like them and what is the best way to do something for the best results, but there is never a holistic approach! There is never a moment of ‘this is how doing this affects MY body and it may look different for you but that’s okay because the goal is just to get moving’ and obviously it could get tedious to say that every video but someone who comes across the 75th video as their first look on that channel won’t understand that message if the label of the video is “doing this will get your belly flat in no time!” To me you are very honest in your critiques but not in a horrible way, and it’s never just a ‘what they’re saying is wrong’ you always give an explanation as to why and how else it could be achieved and that is worth its weight in gold! You never set out to completely dismiss everything that person is saying just because their previous advice wasn’t helpful. If you like a tip you say so, but like I said it never just ends there, you give the most complete picture of advice that I’ve come across on KZbin and I want to thank you for that! You have helped me see past title click bait and insane claims (which still need calling out don’t get me wrong) and I’m able to better decide for myself if the exercises I’m doing are helpful for me and whether or not I follow that person’s socials outside of the exercise video and I feel it’s a testament to how you teach in your videos; not everything is for everyone and giving masses of people on the internet a set list of advice and not giving alternatives to how that can look is not fair. I’m not saying every creator should make individual plans for the one person watching who can’t do that specific move, but like you said even giving an example of how that could look to someone who lives in a flat or has kids or no access to gym equipment etc takes seconds and would be so much more helpful. Sorry for the really long comment but thank you for being so genuine about what you know, what you don’t, how people can pick what’s good for them and how to recognise misleading information!

[@JustinaErcole]

There should be no apology here because this is not only so helpful for me in regards to how I’m perceived on the good old interwebs, but your opinion regardless is ALWAYS valid. Thank you for taking the time to respond so thoughtfully AND giving me the benefit of the doubt! I’m very grateful to have you here ❤️

[@MsPeabody1231]

I live in the UK and have previously lived in Nordic countries. It isn't always possible in winter to get out in the sun due to the long hours of darkness and the fact that I do an office job where I either have frequent meetings or can find I'm working all day with someone else except for short nature and food breaks. Oh and that's if the day itself isn't cloudy. Someone stating going out in the sun would reduce my cortisol levels or allow me to get vitamin D is simply sprouting complete nonsense. I actually used to do lots of exercise outside as an amateur sportswoman and in winter always did it in the dark under street lights or flood lights.

[@stephaniet5209]

Yep! Thought the same thing. I'm Canadian, there are sometimes days in a row that I don't see sun. Go to work in the dark, come home in the dark. If I'm not swamped at work I might look out the window for five minutes and see the sun... 😂

[@mariasterlace6304]

@@stephaniet5209yep - me as well - there are many “gray” days 😢

[@creationslandscapedesigns]

The first thing I do upon waking is poop and while I am pooping, I go through the notifications on my phone. 😂

[@JustinaErcole]

This comment is wins. Nothing beats a morning 💩 and 📱.

[@frankquinn6872]

This video sums up neatly the problem with many influencers and their “lucky dip” approach to advice - let’s have a good ole rummage round and see what everyone else is talking about! This end in “you MUST try lemon water / beetroot juice / coconut water / bone broth / grounding / AG bloody 1🤦‍♀️”. Some of the advice contains a tiny grain of truth: yes, your cortisol levels naturally reduce in the final hours of sleep and return to baseline about an hour after waking up so a stimulant like coffee can affect this but honestly, who GAF?🤷‍♀️I really envy the person for whom there specific cortisol levels are their number 1 problem. Continue to call this stuff out Justina, so we don’t have to!👏

[@JustSheilz]

Influencers have never remembered where most of their audience is - I remember an influx of 'I woke up at 5 am for a week' videos and Im like - I used to wake up at 4 to leave by 5 when I worked full time.

[@JustinaErcole]

THIS

[@stayathomemess]

I hired a personal trainer that was OBSESSED with the idea that I needed to eat before having coffee. She could not get past the fact that I was not on board with that, she has NO other suggestions until I would do that. Completely lost my money on that crazy person.

[@jennifergreene9921]

Ugh. This drives me crazy! I worked in the fitness industry for over 15 years and I would see so much misinformation and advice given to clients out of the scope of practice of personal trainers. It was toxic and draining. I left a few years ago, got my masters in public health and now run exercise interventions for low income, at risk populations. I’m so much happier and I’m actually able to educate and coach people properly. It’s so sad and concerning that the fitness industry is doing such a poor job overall of regulating misinformation and holding people accountable.

[@IzzysTravelDiaries]

It's so different depending on a person. For example, I have ADHD. Unmedicated, btw. I can't just wake up and be ready to socialise, etc. For example, I had a great morning today. I woke up, my mum was looking after the toddler (we're raising him together) and I just scrolled a bit, then played a puzzle game. That gets my brain going. Then I did my physio exercises, though I had to take a nappy change break, but went right back to it. After that a few minutes of play and made breakfast for myself. Eggs, ham, toast, cucumber. Now I'm sipping my coffee while my toddler is running around. He's funny.

[@kianamoore5390]

I found you because of the algorithm, but I want to say I love your videos, especially your information that you give, and you being a woman. I’ve dealt with an ED since I was 13, and I’ve been trying to get back into fitness. My dad used to do bodybuilding/competitions and it took him the longest to convince to me to start using weights (and eat carbs), and stumbling upon your videos and advice has been so helpful

[@JustinaErcole]

So grateful to have you here ❤️

[@kianamoore5390]

@@JustinaErcole so glad to be here ! I tune in whenever I see your videos come up 💕

[@jacksseawheeze2911]

I personally don’t follow “Influencers”, only qualified fitness trainers. I’m a qualified PT (In the 80s), Stott qualified mat and reformer Pilates teacher and a yoga teacher. I also was taught that weight training was non impact and then there was also low impact and high impact training (but as I said that was a long time ago). Love, love, love your videos!

[@fitnicstudio7483]

Sadly most ‘fitness influencers’ are not trying to help others , they are thinking of themselves. It’s so individual to us all, what works for some will not work for others. I think it can make people feel overwhelmed & like you are not doing well enough. I feel this when I see these posts & I’m in the industry. It makes me sad

Amen! 🙌 I completely agree. Influencers often seem disconnected from reality, and it's rare to find one who isn't trying to sell something. I had to laugh when you mentioned Huberman-so many influencers just piggyback off his advice. But if you look at his morning routine, or Peter Attia's intense workout/health regimen with all the bells and whistles, it's absolutely insane. No regular person with a full-time job could sustain that, let alone someone with kids and other responsibilities. Yet, people are driving themselves nuts trying to keep up. It's crucial to use critical thinking and not follow advice blindly. Even Huberman isn't immune to making mistakes. Take what serves you and leave out the rest. ✌

[@AcademicAfterDark]

I completely agree. I also think that what frustrates me the most is the way these kinds of posts are positioned. It’s obviously a truism that influencers are people who have, as in this case, a tremendous amount of social influence. It is one thing to provide some suggestions that are maybe unobtainable for the majority of people. It is another thing entirely when these tips are framed in a way that imposes a false dichotomy of a "good" or "bad" life. Creating content that inadvertently implies that anyone who cannot spent time in the morning basking in the sun followed by a slow meditative 2 hours of yoga and perfectly curated breakfast, is somehow 'unhealthy', 'unsuccessful', or 'lazy" , is just harmful. There is already such an incredible amount of pressure placed on people to have the perfect routine, be the perfect parent, embrace the grind (while also making sure it is balanced!), and be the best 'wellness girlies' we can be. We really don’t need to be putting more pressure on people to meet standards that even the influencer is unlikely to meet all the time. That this kind of social pressure is reinforced in content about cortisol, is wonderfully ironic. So yeah. I take little issue of influences out of touch and highly recommending we all take 3 months off work to go to the Bahamas because it is a "must see". Honestly, pop off. As soon as it crosses into influences implying that not doing xyz is some sort of moral failing, that’s a problem.

[@figthorn]

Regarding the morning sun thing, what about people living in like Alaska or Scandinavian countries lol where there are periods of the year with little to no sun 😂

[@JustinaErcole]

Omg yes!

[@emilyosler6664]

I love how genuinely humble you are, what a breath of fresh air! Never afraid to review your own opinions!!! ❤

[@deec6535]

I work in primary care, and the influencer cortisol nonsense is driving me insane. There are real medical problems that have cortisol derangements. I will likely never see any of those in my career because they are so rare. I check from time to time when symptoms are concerning. But I get messages weekly demanding I order cortisol and whatever the latest influencer is demonizing, and I literally can’t if they want insurance to cover it. It’s pseudoscience nonsense, and I’m banging my head against my desk because of it.

[@maddiedoeswhatshewants]

I'm a small KZbinr who's documenting my weight loss journey and some well meaning subscriber commented that I need to chill out on the cardio because of the cortisol...and I thought of you lol.

[@JustinaErcole]

Keep at it Maddie!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@RoseHat713]

I always laugh at the morning sun thing because I live in Canada and for like half the year for work I have to wake up in the dark to get to work on time and still have a bit of time to myself in the morning.

[@ellie-aka-sirenusvex]

Three days a week I get up at 4.30am to go into the office which is a two-hour commute in each direction. The other two days I'm working at my desk from around 06.30am/7am. I'd love to be in the position of having a lazy, sunny, quiet start to my working day, but it's not happening, there's no way I'm getting up even earlier for coffee and breakfast

[@anjiekendall2079]

This is me! I have a work from home agreement that has me up really early, but I'm not complaining about that. I get sun when we walk the dogs, so she can shut it. And sometimes I do check my phone immediately, I want to know what I'm walking into work wise. I keep my weekends the same, or the week will be too hard for me. I have a routine that works for me, I'm not changing it just because she says something works for her. Great. The only way I can handle coffee is with a bunch of crap in it, so I keep it as a treat.

[@chamanthipowell6386]

I wake up at 4.45am precisely so I am not rushed in the morning - I can fit in a workout, have a cup of tea, make my lunch and watch some morning news without rushing prior to work. I hate waking up late and lying in bed! But that doesn’t work for everyone - do what works for you and if that means getting up later and rushing around like a blue-arsed fly - go for it!! And cortisol is meant to go up in the morning regardless of what you do! That’s why we check cortisol levels in the morning - that’s the one time we know cortisol is meant to be up! Great vid as always!

[@JustinaErcole]

Exactly! And thank you 🥰

[@kimberlym6392]

The “sunlight in the morning” idea had been heavily pushed by Huberman, and now everyone seems to be citing Huberman as a source regarding efficacy. I have not come across studies that quantify how much sunlight would be ideal for optimal health in the morning. I also haven’t seen controlled human studies that try to control for other lifestyle factors (e.g., sleep quality, eating habits, physical activity, overall stress, etc.). People don’t seem to question things that he says.

[@JustinaErcole]

People slap a PMID number on a post and call it credible. (I also used to be guilty of that so let’s call me out too lol)

[@sjdelacy7712]

I dislike the way they use their children and babies as props in their money-spinning ventures even more than the snake oil tbh.

[@JustinaErcole]

Oof don’t even get me started on that…..

[@Justcetriyaart]

And their pets

[@anniamanda]

THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO! Most of influencer advice is so out of touch, I deeply appreciate your honest and inclusive take on fitness advice 💕 Personally, as someone who lives in Northern Europe, I’m especially irritated by the sunlight advice. Like, even if I would realistically have the time and the space to spend outside in the morning, for 9 months of the year the sun doesn’t rise until like 11 am and I just can’t just wait to start my day until then 😹 Like thanks influencers, not everyone lives in California 😹 There are several factors influencing our lives, we can’t just copy and paste these super broad and general advice from wealthy, self-employed people.

[@harvestcheddar0]

I feel like it all comes down to find a way to stress less and eat well. Which I think most people already know. The issue is how we get there. When you’re rich and have more freedom to shape your days how you want, that becomes way easier to do. Not that they don’t work hard, but it’s different. Also, what is “well” for your body can be different than someone else’s. Obviously, take what you can from these things and leave what doesn’t apply, but I guess the issue with these blanket statements is that there is too much variation in the million(s) of people you’re talking to for it to resonate. Like simply saying stress less and giving more options for different lifestyles on how to do that is better than what goes on now. But I guess that doesn’t fit short form, aesthetically pleasing content. Idk I basically just reiterated your point but yeah, lol. I agree. We keep chasing this ideal for health based on the lifestyles of a few well off people.

[@MyrthexLatoya]

I always just have to laugh at influencers (not just fitness, but in the self help/self care sphere in general) when they're talking about their 'ideal morning routine'. It's so wildly out of touch with reality. My work day is from 8-17, with an hour commute so that's leaving home at 7 coming back at 18... So that's waking up and getting ready + breakfast even earlier. These influencers are like 'let's go for a morning walk and do yoga and a 10 step skincare routine!', I'm just rolling out of bed, get ready, eat and be out the door. Where do we get the extra hours from?? And not to be negative about Americans but a lot of the influencers are North American and seem to live in the warmer states and while I get it gets cold there too but the light situation is just not the same as in Northern Europe, people live in such a bubble xD. In nov-feb it gets dark around 15/16 (when I'm still at work!) and only gets light at 9/10/11 (when I'm already at work!) Where should I be getting my morning sunlight? 🤣 (I'm sure basically anyone working a 9-5 has this issue)

[@Second2LastPioneer]

Love this. Yeah, so I'm on all these fitness apps and some offer free membership if I share so many posts with so many people. Now I feel uncomfortable giving advice because I feel like my journey is so different from most people. And I live a different sort of life as a childless military wife. It's just really strange offering advice so I usually preface some more deeper issues with "this is only my experience and I'm not an expert." Mostly because I see people doing completely different things from me and doing just fine. Anyways. Yeah, I don't really want to be an "influencer," but free stuff is cool so there's this troubling ecosystem that is brewing online. 🥴 (I'll refrain from hashtagging for example.)

[@75JayLady]

I appreciate your expetience and willings to share in digestable language. I agree with others that i dont necessarily think influencers really care about actually helping people. I think they hang on trends to sell crap....❤

[@debbie5451]

I've lost a lot of respect for the online fitness world because of the 'look at me' factor, in particular, the over 40's crowd. I've followed a certain influencer for years - not because I like her, but because I like her content. However, over the years she's become more of a fitness snob than anything. Singing 'happy birthday to me I don't look (my age) - well, sometimes I do', pretty much did it for me. I didn't look my age at 53 either but I didn't go online bragging about it. I guess my second gripe would be what I call the 'look at me looking down my pants' thing. You know, where an influencer is shown pulling up their shirt to expose their 'six pack' abs. I swear, I laugh every time I see this because it looks like they're looking down their pants instead! Why do they do this? I mean, technically I know 'why' which is to show all of us how if we do their workouts, we too could have abs like that. But, really? I just can't wrap my head around it. Influencers who 'attempt' to do beginner friendly/knee friendly workouts that most true beginners could never do, is such a show of disrespect! I have 30 years experience as a trainer/fitness instructors and know for certain that someone truly starting out couldn't do the majority of these types of workouts. As far as selling products goes, I roll my eyes and move on. I know what they're selling is nothing that I'd put in my body anyway so I don't waste my time on it. And while I can't fault someone for trying to make a living, 'professionals' should know that most supplemental powders/gummies, etc., have no real added benefit for most and very few for some. Lastly, there are some very good influencers out there who's content is worth following. But for the most part, the internet is nothing but a breeding ground for inflated egos and misinformation that leave someone feeling horrible about themselves and can be bad for their overall wellbeing. I feel that if an influencer has to convince others of how good they look, it may actually be a sign of a lack of confidence so there's another part of the story here, I suppose. But either way, telling viewers that if they work real hard they can look as good as them tells me everything I need to know about that influencer's character and intent. Sorry for the book. Thanks for letting me rant.

[@HystericHeretic]

Thank you for saying this! I can't tell you how many times I've gone on a 'beginner' video just to see poses and exercises that is just not possible for me or that I'm not flexible enough for. The majority of these videos aren't for beginners at all and really need to be shown from square one.

[@ChristineStoneman]

I totally agree. I’m so tired of the whole “ drink tea and stare at a flower to reduce cortisol” etc - I scroll by as fast as possible. With an eye roll. May because I have a science background.

[@JustinaErcole]

😂😂😂

[@1katcab]

We all know being constantly stress is not helpful, you know what else is not helpful? Rich ladies with good genetics telling you cortisol is the only cause of all your problems and if you take their expensive ass suplement or course or whatever they are selling, all is gonna be ok. I can't even imagine how stressful is for people in more challenging situations than mine hear constantly that they are doing everything wrong from the moment they wake up. Justina, then again you've nailed a very important point.

[@Rentheflower]

You’re over 61k!!!! Great job!

[@Rentheflower]

The morning sun comment I did vibe with, I have a friend who is a massive Huberman fan and pushes super hard that morning sun with be the make break thing for my health issues. Having fibromyalgia every minute of sleep I can get is super important - sleep will always be more important to me

[@JustinaErcole]

THANK YOU!! And yes, sleep is queen (or king if you prefer)

[@Elysia07]

You're a real one. Love the well used, well loved make up containers and tools.

[@icegirl1691]

It drives me crazy when people talk about cortisol and stress, causing you not to lose weight. But people don’t talk about the other factors. Let’s be honest, it’s not my cortisol levels that caused issues for me when I was trying to lose weight. It’s the fact that when I’m stressed, I don’t sleep good and I stay up late on my phone scrolling. It’s the fact that when I am stressed, I tend to snack more throughout the day. It’s the fact that when I’m stressed I don’t listen to my hunger cues and rather eat with emotion. I’m not thoughtful in what I choose to eat. And I think that is something I would rather have people talk about. Yes, stress can affect our weight but it’s because you’re less likely to be able to make good choices for yourself because you’re so bogged down with the stress.

[@JustinaErcole]

YESSSSS people are jumping to cortisol without looking at what’s even spiking their cortisol! It’s probably not coffee. It’s probably the 8000 things in life (money, job, kids, scrolling, no free time, family issues, etc) causing the stress!

[@4884nat]

I find one of the issues is that what they are providing is not what helps them to look the way they do a lot of the time, like that woman who does the 7 minute workouts, no way in hell that’s what she does to be as slim as she is. Now, it may be genetics of course, but if not it sure as heck isn’t 7 minute workouts.

[@carrielight3535]

What can I say Justina another amazing KZbin! So many good things that you said, loved it!

[@SHOUPEATSSOUP]

Loved this video! I’m hoping to one day be a PT and it’s so important to me to not have a “one size fits all” approach when it comes to coaching people, I want to be a PT who looks at each person individually and works on finding a programme that fits best for that individual even if it’ll take trial and error

[@__Tiziana__]

I remember that you shared so long ago the same anecdote about having to delete that post when you learnt that it could lead to more harm than good. It was a quite old video, most likely one of the very first of yours that I had seen at that point, but I remember it so well because it was the moment I started to really respect you as a person and as a coach (also started to following you that day, so it was special!). Thank you for being always considerate, empathetic and just normal, you know? A normal human being, a good person. Your hair is not normal at all, though. It's just too perfect. I don't know what to do anymore. You need to come out and share a full hair care routine, PLEASE.

[@JustinaErcole]

First of all, I’m so grateful to have you here. Second, WOW THE HAIR COMMENT THANK YOU. I’m getting it done finally next week lol

[@esoteriquefille]

I feel like cortisol and seed oils are the trendy things to demonize right now. They are just buzzwords followed by bullsh*t. I'm shocked that this kind of influencing is still popular and still works on people.Thank you Justine for providing science based (and practical) health and fitness content!

[@rinvfx]

don’t really like Jo from bits of her i’ve seen, but her workouts are amongst best ones out there, especially 40 mins+ ones. unlike 10-15 mins HIIT torture (targeted at people who can’t physically follow or stick to it) it’s steady state cardio so it’s actually nice for beginners and people with poor cardio

[@alicefouche6372]

I follow mel robbins and her 3 tips for a productive day were to drink water before coffee in the morning, get sun before screen time and dont hit snooze on your alarm. The day I tried this I had the WORST grouchiest morning I've had in a while and I felt like something was wrong with me. Then I realised, why am I trying to fix my morning routine when there was no issue with it in the first place?! I think a lot of this advice is great if you have a problem woth mornings or productivity or anxiety etc, but they seem to prescribe it even when youre already ok. Love your no BS approach.

[@JustinaErcole]

YES THIS

[@laurieann2714]

Ridiculous and uninformed videos from ignorant influencers raise my cortisol levels! Lol Again, love the video and the common sense and educated POV!!

[@陈静怡-u1v]

Hi Justina, I'm from China and your videos help me a lot. One of the comments here mentioned Pamela, and I'm so familiar with her because she is the most popular fitness influencer on Chinese internet. Like many other Chinese girl, I began doing exercise by following her videos. But later i felt her workouts and 'advices' are sometimes anti-scientific. (And Justina your videos help me graduate from her nonsense 🥺) Several days ago i saw one of her short videos, in which she said she had 'no tummy' (it's just 'being bloated') and she promoted probiotic drinks 'which can help you lose your tummy'.😅I'm so pissed off. She can't even pronounce the brand right! This is literally lying to people.

[@JustinaErcole]

Oh yeah if you’re talking about Pamela Reif, she’s a snake oil salesman.

[@brandenkappes2946]

My cousin was born without a pituitary gland, so she does not release cortisol in response to stress. (she still is an incredibly anxious child though) and she has to carry around with her 24/7 a vial of sterile water and a vial of powdered cortisol. Because if she becomes ill or is seriously injured and doesn’t take the injection? She’ll DIE! Cortisol is necessary for life

[@juliabutler9837]

"have coffee with or after breakfast" Me and Justina at the same time: Why?

[@TheHazyRigby]

Always the voice of reason.

[@TM-ng2bz]

If you have a window, you can get sun through that. I live in the city too, that is not an issue whatsoever. What's a bigger problem is seasons. For example where I live, the sun does not come up for many hours in the winter, for some living more north it may not come up at all. So morning sun is something we can get in the summer, but not really during winter.

[@esther.f.g]

Is like the beauty influencers, they have a lot of time and money to invest in their body because is their "tool" to have more money. Their body seems perfect, their skin seems perfect, everything is so good, and if you buy their fitness program or their creams, make up you will be as perfect as they are

[@JustinaErcole]

THIS

[@Laf631]

I appreciated edited Justina coming in to address the vibes of "oh, your advice doesn't suit every situation in the universe, so it's useless" the previous comment was giving. It's a pet peeve of mine when commenters dogpile on a life protip or something just because it doesn't specifically account for their unique scenario.

[@JustinaErcole]

Yeahhhh I was editing and was like “this needs an edit” lol. Thank you for understanding as I learn how to formulate my thoughts! ❤️

[@hamsteroncoffee]

I guess the best advice here is to hear everyone's opinions on a topic and then be selective. Implement the things that help you / make you feel better. No matter what X influencer recommends, if it feels like a chore to me / makes me feel like literal 💩, then it is not good for me. And to take medical advice from influencers, well.... I am not commenting on that one cause people might get too offended, haha Anyways, I enjoyed the video and I love your comments ❤. And also your t-shirt, haha ❤

[@annescholten9313]

Just love your content Justina.❤ Keep them coming!

[@JustinaErcole]

Thank you Anne!

[@vegusmegus6600]

Hey Justina, thanks for enlightening me with your videos! I love them 💜 I was wondering what do you think about Huberman's morning routine?

[@vegusmegus6600]

Oh I was quick to ask my question, you mentioned him 😂

[@JustinaErcole]

I think he's never coached a client a day in his life lol

[@vegusmegus6600]

​@@JustinaErcole well im on team justina! 💜

[@jassy0903]

I know we all have our issues with fitness content but mine is the assumption that everyone lives in a safe environment. If I go running at night, by myself imma get shot or kidnapped.

[@JustinaErcole]

OH THIS! I live in a very safe neighborhood in Queens but anything can happen anywhere. Especially as a woman unfortunately

[@Soaring_Seajay]

I like GWJ workouts but that post annoyed me. Thanks for explaining why lol😂

[@katherinemair1613]

I just have to say, in the UK in the winter it's PITCH BLACK before 7.30 sometimes and most people wake up for work or school at like 6 so how are they going to get sunlight 😂

[@rules_rainbowwizard]

Lmaoooo Jo... I was on her paid platform long enough to get mad about a video that should have been re-shot, it was a mess with inconsistent timing on opposite sides and things like that. Then she responded to my comment with like "what do you mean" and I got an email from her team saying that feedback should be given with grace. They really showed their true colors. They don't care about quality and never correct themselves. I'm not surprised they delete comments.

[@JustinaErcole]

Oh wowwww that’s a shame!

[@jacki8106]

Love this video!!❤❤❤

[@natashasullivan4559]

Another issue with thr whole.. "self care" movement. Is that it usually doesn't take into acount anyone with disabilities. Mental or physical. As somdine who's both autistic and has ADHD. I just dont usually do breakfast. Unlessi had the energy to cook a batch and clean the night before. Or if I somehow have thr will to cook and clesn 3 times in a day. Both cokking snd clesning ate generally hard in people with adhd. Its a lot of steps, a lot of faffing about. I personally cant do dishes 3 times a day. It would all end up stacking up and getting overwhelming. Im sure its very similar for people with physical disabilities. Or anyone who's got chronic illness and has less energy. Same with the long skincare routines, or making 3 different "health" drinks in the morning. I get that these are all meant for able boddied folks. But a lot of us grow up being shamed for not being able to be as productive as others. And people who end up not being sble to be what society considers normally productive get shamed too. And I know its our job to know that some od these things just arent possible. And not to tske offense to things not meant for us. But after a lifetime of it, it starts to get tired. We need more health influencers who also talk about disability. Or who say its ok if you can't accomplish some of the basis some days. Because I do enjoy fitness, I exsersise on days I have the energy to. But it's these little things that are just like... Do this if you want to be healthy. Will we never be healthy? Im pretty sure trying to have breakfast every morning would raise my cortisol levels 😂

[@JustinaErcole]

Thank you for this! I’m always trying to do better helping my clients and this is super insightful.

[@natashasullivan4559]

@@JustinaErcole oh absolutely! That's one of the reasons I enjoy your content! You give people the resources and tell them to do what's best for them. Honestly when it comes to disability, it's all about knowing when you can't do something. And knowing that it's ok, and that there will be other days to do xyz thing You're very nonjudgmental and that's a big help ❤️❤️ and happy to provide some insight As someone who's just turning 29 today. It's only been in the last year that I've started healing from lifelong toxic productivity standards. Which can hit even harder on the disabled community. Because we're often simply not even capable of a lot of the highly productive, high maintenance self care routines

[@StephSA08]

Awesome video as always! Just regarding having coffee before a meal- Dr Stacy Sims speaks on this and it makes sense, she recommends having some protein before or with your coffee (she makes a protein shake and adds her espresso into the shake) might be worth while checking it out! I would recommend ❤

[@JustinaErcole]

Hey! I’ve heard the reasons, but nothing beats listening to your own body :)

[@StephSA08]

@@JustinaErcole amen 💯

[@high-five-creative]

Lol the most obvious thing that people don't see is they didn't just wake up and stay in bed... There's a camera set up with lighting.

[@JustinaErcole]

Hahahahah so true!

[@florabeltaine4620]

I start my work day at 5 (student baker here), sunlight in the morning is a fantasy. Also i'm the only one not surviving on coffee and stale croissants on the team because i might actually throw up but if i could, i would.

[@irav82]

Agree 💯

[@liteicedcoffee]

You called it, I'm pretty sure if we researched the origin stories of those tips it would be Andrew Huberman. Not shading Huberman more so the idea of influencers parroting one another, irrespective of truth of the claims or their qualifications (usually lack thereof) to make them

[@edie9059]

I start to wonder why people even strive for something that appears unachievable. I don’t have a lot of room to talk, but it’s chasing after a glorified life. We are buying into false advertisement. Of course there’s a part of me that thinks if all my shit matched id have no problems but I know that’s not true. Influencers tend to act like “I shop at the dollar store just like you to save a buck” but my home costs me between half a million to a million. Like that’s OK that’s their reality, but it’s such a disconnect. I do agree it’s a diss to people who continue to educate themselves in the best interest of their clients. I gravitate towards following transparent influencers. Ones who will admit they struggle with mental health and don’t always have it all together. As much as I want to be organized and at peace, I can’t be all the time. So don’t act like you are or I’m *unfollowing* It can easily come off shameful too. “It’s so easy.” We all get in our own ways but as you said, when you work one on one with a client you realize just how clear it is that it’s NEVER going to be a one size fits all response. The point of having clients is to provide tailored education because everyone has a unique life, unique schedule and a unique background as to why one thing would work and one thing just wouldn’t. I hope when I’m working with clients they NEVER feel shame from our conversations. We will always have new goals; it’s not about reaching them all at once. There’s always room to grow in this life and that’s the beauty of having personal goals and realizing it’s one day at a time. We should never feel what we’re doing right now “isn’t good enough.”

[@veganaktivisten]

Try getting morning sun in sweden on the wintertime. The sun is only up between 9-15 and 95% if the days its cloudy. I take every chance i get to get a glimpse of the sun, but it is NOT an easy task living up north.

[@JustinaErcole]

oh i'm aware! that's why i said it's not an option for many people in this video :)

[@valeriemalenfant]

I find those lists should have a disclosure like this is best practice and you should aimed to ''achieve'' a couple of points or habit for at least 2 to 3 times a week. Exemple a good diet : they say you should eat '' clean'' (hate that word) 80% of the time but like any good habit people should try not be perfect ALL the time but most of the time. Like of course that list is unachievable for most people 7 days a week 365 days a year but hey a morning walk on your day off can or should be achievable a couple time a month and built up from there. practice make perfect!

[@JustinaErcole]

Yes absolutely!

[@ga75]

Hey would you consider making a video about exercise snacking? I feel like it is more achiavable for a lot of people,love ur vids!

[@JustinaErcole]

Possibly! What do you want to know?

[@ga75]

@@JustinaErcole idk overall benefits i guess? How many minutes should we do it in total,How much time should be in between snacks,does our heartbeat need to be high? Just some that popped into mind

[@JustinaErcole]

@@ga75 Got it! And just to be clear, by exercise snacking you simply mean doing shorter workouts during the day, right?

[@ga75]

@@JustinaErcole yes,thank u!

[@josieamon3552]

I read a scientific book about sleep recently. morning sunlight can be done just by looking out a window!

[@girlypopgay]

Taking care of my bb means I often can’t take care of myself. Particularly working out…some days there’s just no hope of that happening. Also. Waking up in bed w my baby only makes me stressed and uncomfortable. So.

[@elainekommenge1157]

YES!! SO out of touch with reality. I've recently unsubscribed to many channels bc the content is so ridiculous.

[@WorksofWhimsyCrochetCo]

Fitness influencers are a dangerous game a lot of the time because useful health and fitness information wasn't actually taught in school. At least where I lived. We had "health class" but it was far from nutrition based. Like, I learned how to splint a sprained ankle. Yippy me. I've used that a total of zero times in my life. If only I learned about proper nutrition as a person who has to eat every single day lol. The only thing I ever remember us touching on was the food pyramid and that's all been basically debunked at this point. Not a healthy way to eat at all haha. So when you put people who don't know about anything in front of a supposed expert, they're gonna listen. And it's really hard to re-educate someone when they've basically been indoctrinated into something lol. Like the amount of people who believe starvation mode is a thing when trying to lose weight is literally insane so they're afraid to really cut any calories, but then simultaneously complain that they've been eating healthy for 2-3 weeks and only lost like a pound total. And then go on to quit a few month in because they've been at it for months and barely lost any weight. Like yeah, you need a caloric deficit to lose weight and you can, in most cases, lose up to 2 lbs a week, but you have to eat less to do that. Your metabolism doesn't just break if you cut 500 calories a day, or even if you do something wild like cut 500 calories a day AND try to work out a few times a week. Like, you'll be okay. And if you feel not okay, you can always eat a bit more. But there's no way around a calorie deficit for weight loss other than have stuff sucked out of you or losing a limb lol.

[@dklintworth1992]

I’ve been diving into Dr Mike Israetel’s mentality of the slow controlled eccentrics and stressing hypertrophy.

[@erins3147]

Coffee with food can interfere with iron absorption.

[@JustinaErcole]

The more you know!

[@hkimchi]

It's funny, I don't consider the people I do follow in the fitness realm as fitness influencers even though they are "influencers" (though does having a high follower count automatically make you an influencer?) I find their content to focus more on education rather than "look at me let me sell you something". I do agree that the typical fitness influencers seem out of touch, and in their mind all their focused on is the numbers, followers, money, etc which is disheartening knowing that most people looking for help or guidance in this area are already pretty vulnerable. Not sure if this babble made sense but just my thoughts!

[@JustinaErcole]

I think the difference between an influencer and a coach is that one is trying to sell you something and the other is trying to help and/or educate you. There's definitely crossover with the two though!

[@MrsRivera777]

That’s so stupid Jo said that. Also can’t get past the spot reduction BS. I appreciate her for getting me into fitness but the lies are kinda crazy bc then you do an arm workout not because you enjoy it and want to get stronger and more fit…but bc one tells you it will take fat off your arms lol. It’s now an unlearning process for me. Now I do what I love and don’t think about specific spots of my body but as a whole knowing I can only be the best version of me and keep striving regardless of whether I shrink or not. I also think she changed a bit since she blew up. She always did the spot reduction thing but now the app and the website too? There are amazing free workouts all over KZbin and I personally don’t think it’s worth it to pay for all these extra things that don’t make a difference. I appreciate influencers now that don’t talk spot reduction bc it’s a blatant lie I can’t believe they still try to push. Thanks for shedding light on this issue bc it is an issue! $$ goes to the head for sure. Also preying on vulnerable people.

[@axhlo]

Cortisol is one of those topics I wish influencers had never discovered or figured out could be trendy. Almost none of the people speaking on it out there have a single thing to say that is both actionable and realistic for the average person. It makes shortform videos like on tiktok an immediate "not interested" for me lol. If I want to understand how to manage actual health-related issues in my own body, I'm talking to a medical professional.

[@thegoodmood_club]

Standing O for the hot-take at 11:26 🙌🙌🙌 Looove this video and yes it was cohesive :)

[@wgcooke1]

Questions: I consider you a fitness influencer because you suggest things to me and from time to time you have a discount code. You are different but why don’t the other influencers follow your example? I come to your channel twice a week and will at least google the products you mention and have been a fit club member when budget allowed. You don’t lie to me and I am a loyal follower so why are the others afraid to do the same? Why isn’t a loyal following enough?

[@JustinaErcole]

I think there’s two things at play. 1) I am primarily first and foremost a coach. I guess since I’m on social media I can fall into the influencer vibe, but my main goal is always to help people. Because 2) influencers make a LOT OF MONEY recommending (or influencing) products, services, etc. Obviously I need to make money to survive, but it’s not my “why.” The WHY for influencers is monetary gain first and foremost. Also I hope that makes sense. I had a Bloody Mary at brunch lol

[@lilpixienae]

I dont drink Coffee at all due to not liking the flavour... I guess I'm stuck having irregular cortisol forever 🤷‍♀️🤣🤣

[@Justcetriyaart]

Tbh its not just fitness, practical, and pragmatic stuff do sell/convert but not as much as simplified and quick aspirational stuff do.

[@JustinaErcole]

Oh 100%! Just staying in my field of expertise :)

[@baguettebackpack]

👏👏👏👏

[@christinahensfelt9593]

👌💯

[@ChelseaCarsonFitness]

To be fair.. I have never heard of her. So maybe her audience IS also rich stay at home moms that can do all of these things?! Or maybe she needs to say "this is what I recommend for those of you that have no schedule and get to do whatever you want all day.." 😂 But yes very out of reach for the every day person for sure!

[@JustinaErcole]

I'm pretty sure she's targeting the everyday person, but maybe that's changed!