Forget the Fads—Here’s What Really Gets Results
The Weirdest Fitness Advice I’ve Heard, and What Actually Works
As a personal trainer, I’ve heard some truly bizarre pieces of fitness advice over the years. From “wearing bin bags to sweat out fat” (please don’t) to “only eating food that’s the same colour” (why?), the internet and gym gossip are overflowing with ideas that sound fun, unusual, or even downright dangerous. And while I’m all for trying new things, fitness should be enjoyable, chasing the latest fad isn’t the best way to see results.
The truth is, the basics work. They’ve always worked. But because they’re not flashy, they sometimes get overlooked in favour of whatever trend is going viral on social media this week. Let’s break it down.
Why Fads Are So Tempting
We all love novelty. A new workout trend promises excitement, quick results, and maybe even a little bragging rights “I tried the [insert odd exercise here] challenge!” But these trends often skip over a critical detail: long-term sustainability. Sure, doing a crazy circuit you saw on TikTok might feel amazing for a few days, but if it’s not realistic to keep up. or if it’s built on shaky science, progress stalls and motivation disappears.
What Actually Works: Consistency
Consistency is the magic word in fitness. It doesn’t matter if you’re following a strength program, training for a 10K, or simply trying to move more during the week, if you stop and start every time something “shinier” comes along, you’ll keep going back to square one. Progress happens when you build habits, not when you chase quick fixes.
The clients who make the most progress aren’t necessarily the ones doing the fanciest workouts. They’re the ones who turn up week after week, even when life gets busy, even when the weather is awful, even when they don’t “feel like it.” That’s where the results are.
Have a Plan
If you’ve ever walked into a gym, wandered around for 20 minutes, done a few random exercises, and left thinking, “Well… that was something,” you’re not alone. Many people go in without a plan, then wonder why they don’t see results.
A plan, whether it’s one you create yourself or one I design for you gives you structure and purpose. You’ll know what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and how to track your progress. This makes your workouts more effective and your results more measurable.
When to Get Help
If you’re not sure how to build a plan or you find it hard to stay accountable, that’s where a personal trainer comes in. My job is to take the guesswork out of fitness, keep you progressing safely, and make sure you’re working towards your goals, not just following the latest craze.
Bottom Line
Fitness doesn’t need to be weird to be effective. You don’t have to join every new craze or turn your routine upside-down every month. What you need is a plan you can stick to, consistent effort, and the patience to let the results build. It’s not glamorous, but it works, and it works every time.
