Since the mid-2000s, the fitness industry has shifted its focus. Instead of being about helping people achieve health and strength, it’s become a playground for consumerism, trends, and quick fixes designed to make money—not meaningful change.
Here’s how and why:
- Trendy Products and Fads: From juice cleanses to "smart" gym equipment, everything is marketed as the solution to your problems. Why? Because selling shiny, new things keeps the industry profitable.
- Quick Fix Mentality: Programs promising drastic transformations in 30 days or less prey on our impatience. They work short-term but fail to provide sustainable habits.
- Endless Options: The sheer volume of workouts, apps, diets, and gadgets makes it hard to know where to start, leaving most people stuck in paralysis by analysis.
- Overcomplication: The message is often “more is better,” leading to burnout, decision fatigue, and, ultimately, failure.
The Golden Age of Fitness: 1960s–1990s
If you want real, no-fluff information, look to the fitness resources from the 1960s through the 1990s. This was the era of simple, effective advice rooted in science and real-world results, not flashy marketing.
- Straightforward Principles: Books and manuals from this time focused on foundational strength, mobility, and endurance. They weren’t trying to sell you supplements or subscriptions.
- Timeless Solutions: The advice that worked in 1975 still works today. Squats, deadlifts, push-ups, and walking are as effective now as they were then.
- No Noise: Before the internet, there wasn’t an overload of conflicting opinions. You didn’t have to scroll through Instagram to see 50 variations of the same workout move.
Why Simple Is Better
The truth is, simple wins. The overwhelming nature of modern fitness trends is one of the biggest reasons people fail. Here’s what happens when you try to follow today’s content overload:
- FOMO and Impulsivity: You feel like you’re missing out, so you hop from one program or trend to the next without ever committing to one thing.
- Overthinking and Fatigue: Too many choices lead to mental burnout. You spend so much time researching what to do that you never actually start.
- Paralysis by Analysis: Instead of taking action, you second-guess every step.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need trends or complexity to succeed. The best solutions are timeless and easy to implement. Consistent movement, simple nutrition, and sustainable habits are the backbone of lasting results.
Treasures of Knowledge That Already Exist
There’s a wealth of tried-and-true fitness knowledge from before the internet even existed—books, programs, and guides that are still highly effective today. These resources won’t overwhelm you or lead you down a rabbit hole of overthinking. Instead, they provide clear steps to help you get started and keep going.
By focusing on simplicity and cutting through the noise, you can finally ditch the overwhelm and see real progress.
How Wholly Mountain Can Help
At Wholly Mountain Health & Fitness, I take an old-school, no-nonsense approach to fitness and health. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, I’ve helped thousands of people achieve real results—not through fads or trends but through action-oriented, sustainable methods.
I work with just a handful of clients each month, giving you the attention and support you need to succeed. Here’s what’s included in your free first session:
- A comprehensive interview to understand your goals, challenges, and lifestyle.
- A 3D body scan to create a clear picture of where you are now.
- A customized evaluation and plan, including an initial timeline for your transformation.
Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve mobility, or simply feel better in your own skin, I’ve got options for most any budget.
Ready to Cut Through the Noise and Get Started?
If you’re tired of the trends and want a straightforward, effective path to your healthiest self, let’s talk.
Let’s get back to what works. Simple. Sustainable. Real.
