While working out from home has its perks (no judgy eyes around!), the cosy environment can make it hard to be consistent. When there's no instructor to coach and motivate you, slacking on that last rep, taking shortcuts or even skipping a workout session altogether is too easy. This is why we've gravitated towards fitness YouTubers who keep us motivated. However, we have to be careful with who we subscribe to — literally and figuratively.
Singaporean bodybuilder Dino Kang has called out fitness YouTuber Chloe Ting and claimed that her routines and advice are questionable, to say the least. He also alleged that Ting isn't a fitness professional nor an athlete. "She's a YouTuber, a really famous one," he said in his 62-slide Instagram story series. "That means, she doesn't actually have the relevant lifting/nutrition experience to really know what she's so confidently telling people about."
𝗖𝗵𝗹𝗼𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘇𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬. . 𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶 𝗰𝗮𝗻'𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆. 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗯 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗻.
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He goes on to say that as a public figure, Ting has the "social responsibility" to not spread wrong information. He also has issues with how Ting words her video titles such as "Grow Booty Not Thighs" which he sees as problematic. "God forbid women do sports and have bigger thigh muscles," he wrote, complete with a facepalm GIF sticker. You can read his take here.
This underlines the importance of doing your own research so you can be more discerning about the advice of fitness gurus. Explore more and see what else other people have to offer. Don't just stick to the most popular channels because there might be hidden gems you're missing out on. If you're on the lookout, here are other Asian fitness YouTube channels worth checking out.
SoheeFit
Need a no-nonsense personality to guide you through your fitness journey? Sohee may just be the gal for you. With a humble subscriber count, Sohee isn't always on the radar of fitness beginners. But don't count her out! Why? First, she's got the credentials: a Bachelor's Degree in human biology from Stanford University, a certificate as a strength and conditioning specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a certificate as a sports nutritionist by the International Society of Sports Nutrition and a Masters Degree in health psychology from Arizona State University. Second, she doesn't just pump out fitness exercises but also takes time to make videos that explain how to do the proper form for specific exercises which are important when doing a workout without an instructor so you can avoid injuries.
Try: Her hip thrust and glute exercises videos that concentrate on the lower body.
Annie Pilates Physical Therapist
For those who love Pilates, Annie's guides can be an alternative to studio-based exercises. You can find various workouts ranging from easy barre moves for balance to back strengthening exercises that are very beneficial for those who spend a lot of time sitting. As a physical therapist, she puts an emphasis on the right alignment and also has videos for those with back conditions like scoliosis.
Try: Her 30-day Pilates series that aims to help viewers begin their fitness journey.
Joanna Soh
With easy-to-follow routines and unique content (she has a video on how to safely workout during Ramadan which was positively received), we can see why this ACE-certified personal trainer is becoming popular. She also highlights the importance of maintaining a good diet to achieve your wellness goals and offers informational nutrition tips.
Try: Her workout challenges to amp up your usual routines.
Nicole Kastoun
If you're the type who is drawn to relaxing voices and calming aesthetics, you should check out Barre and Pilates Instructor Nicole Kastoun's full-body workouts. All her videos are mellow and a little hypnotic, but they still give you a good workout. Plus, her exercises have good, intuitive rhythm.
Try: Strapped for time? Insert her short but sweat-inducing HIIT workouts.
Next, check out these fitness trackers that will keep you fit and stylish.
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