275 - Lift First, Ask Questions Later: Weightlifting Safety Behaviors in Adolescents on Instagram

Publication Number: 2265.275

Evan Goodman, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, United States; Lillian M. Ravikoff, Northwell Health, Bronx, NY, United States; Caroline Howard, Northwell Health, New York, NY, United States; Joseph Mekhail, Northwell Health, New York, NY, United States; Clara Goldman, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, United States; Samuel A. Friedmann, Northwell Health, great neck, NY, United States; Ruth Milanaik, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, United States

Background: Weight training is safe and beneficial for adolescents when performed with proper form. The rise of fitness culture on social media has inspired many teens to start lifting. However, because fitness content is not screened for accuracy by social media platforms, creators may promote incorrect form. As a result, adolescents might mimic improper techniques, risking injury. A mean of 27,049 weightlifting-related injuries occurred annually from 2002-2021 among adolescents aged 14-21. Common injuries included muscle strains, tendonitis, tendon tears, ligament sprains, and growth plate damage. No studies have examined the safety behaviors displayed in these videos that may underlie such injuries.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of common safety mistakes in youth weightlifting on Instagram and identify areas for intervention.

Design/Methods: 20 hashtag searches (#gymrat, #teenlifting, #teenfitness, #teenshreds, #teenlifts, #highschoollifting, #highschoolgains, #nattyteen, #gymteen, #jackedteen, #strongteen, #gymworkouts, #gymtips, #hypertrophy, #teenhypertrophy, #fitnessjourney, #gymmotivation, #gymgirl, #gymtransformation, #bodybuilding) were used to identify 50 Instagram accounts of lifters aged 14-21 (M = 10,622 followers). The most recent post per account, as of 7/11/2025, demonstrating resistance exercise was assessed with 4 safety markers: controlled reps, full range of motion (ROM), joint alignment, and use of safety equipment. All footage evaluations were reviewed by 3 researchers. R was used for statistical analysis.

Results: Only 32% of posts met all 4 safety markers. The least met safety markers were controlled reps (44% compliance rate) and use of safety equipment (50% compliance rate) [Figure 1]. The barbell bench press had the lowest mean number of markers met (1.86/4) [Figure 2]. 2 ordinal logistic regressions found each additional year of age of the lifter increased the odds of meeting more markers by 37.0% (p = 0.024), and every 10x increase in followers raised the odds by 51.3% (p = 0.016) [Figure 3].

Conclusion(s): Many adolescent lifters on Instagram display behaviors that place them at risk of injury, with uncontrolled reps, lack of safety equipment, and poorly executed exercises like the barbell bench press commonly observed. Given the impressionability of young social media consumers, targeted interventions are essential. Clinicians should emphasize the importance of proper weightlifting form during consultations and provide educational materials.

Figure 1. An Analysis of Safety Measures Met in Social Media Exercise Videos


Figure 2. Average Number of Markers Met per Exercise
Exercises with n>1 are included in this figure.

Probability of Meeting Safety Markers by Age and Follower Count