Written by Garett Reid | NSCA, CSCS, CISSN, M.S.E.S.S
Fact checked by Tyler DiGiovanni, BSBM
FACT CHECKED
There are many places to get information on health and fitness. You can come to SET FOR SET for the latest information on bodybuilding and strength. You could also go to YouTube and watch some videos. However, there's another useful spot—health and fitness forums!
These communities can provide a ton of information and educational opportunities. They act as a meeting ground for millions of people, laymen and experts alike, to discuss an array of topics and provide valuable knowledge and experiences.
We wanted to give you what we think are the 5 best health and fitness forums on the internet.
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Why Visit A Health And Fitness Forum?
As defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, a forum is;
"a situation or meeting in which people can talk about a problem or matter especially of public interest"
As such, a health and fitness forum on the web is a site that hosts discussions between the general population on a variety of topics. In reality, there are almost infinite amounts, as anyone can start a thread on just about any related topic.
This can offer huge benefits.
First, you can connect to people from all walks of life around the world.
Second, you can get information from people's actual experiences. This means you can give and get feedback on virtually any issue, such as;
- Methods to deal with nagging injuries
- Food prep tips
- Holistic medicine that works
- Advice on training with various conditions (diabetes, cancer, spine surgery)
- Tips on supplements
Pretty much anything.
That said, you should be aware that anyone can talk on these forums. This fact allows for a plethora of information, but by its nature, bad advice can come through.
Thankfully, the best health and fitness forums are self-moderated by the various members.
Many of these individuals take this seriously, so they're usually called out if someone starts giving blatantly wrong information.
In addition, some sites are moderated so that only experts can provide actual answers.
That said, here are some of the best health and fitness forums where you can find a ton of good information.
Top 5 Health And Fitness Forums
The internet is massive, and so is the world of health and fitness forums. Hundreds (probably) of sites host discussion boards where anyone can go for advice on all things health.
This can sometimes be overwhelming as it can be hard to know which one to visit.
No worries, we have been in this space for a long time and have picked out five of the top health and fitness forums you can visit. We made this decision based on several characteristics, such as;
- User base size
- Expert input
- Active Communities
- Moderator involvement
So, let's examine the top 5 health and fitness forums you can visit for actual information.
1. Reddit - r/fitness
Reddit can get a bad reputation, and sometimes, deservingly so. However, it can also be an awesome place to explore when you want to get quality information on all things fitness.
It's known for hosting a wide range of niche communities, known as subreddits, that cover everything from recipes to conspiracies. Numerous subreddits can be useful, but we're interested in r/fitness—it's one of the largest and most active fitness-focused forums.
There are over a million members in the r/fitness community as it serves as a gathering place for people looking to discuss all things fitness, including;
- Workouts
- Exercise selection
- Latest research
- Nutrition and supplementation
- Injury prevention
- General fitness advice
What makes it stand out:
- Broad Community: r/fitness attracts members with varying fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes, and encourages participation focusing on inclusivity.
- Daily and Weekly Threads: You can easily find various threads that include things like "Daily Questions," "Form Check Fridays" (where users can get feedback on their exercise form), and "Progress Pics Sunday" for motivational posts.
- Expert Input: Fitness professionals, certified trainers, and even physical therapists frequently engage in discussions, offering research-backed advice. Again, you just need to use some discernment.
- Resource Sharing: Users share workout plans, progress-tracking methods, nutrition tips, and evidence-based articles to help others improve their fitness.
R/fitness offers a dynamic mix of expert advice, peer support, and real-time discussions. The community's openness and diversity make it one of the most accessible forums for beginners and advanced fitness enthusiasts.
2. Reddit - r/health
While you're over at Reddit, check out their r/health subreddit, too!
Numerous health-related subreddits provide valuable advice, peer support, and medical discussions in the same manner as fitness. You can find an array of both general and specific topics, such as;
- Food quality
- Living with or treating chronic conditions
- Troubleshooting symptoms
- Holistic treatments
- Discussion on various pharmacies
It also wouldn't be Reddit without plenty of social commentary and a bit of conspiracy talk to spice things up.
What makes it stand out:
- Subreddit Specialization: Subreddits like r/health, r/AskDocs, r/Fitness, r/nutrition, and r/mentalhealth provide expert advice, peer insights, and personal stories from people with similar experiences. You can find a community that specifically aligns with your area of concern.
- Expert Answers: On subreddits like r/AskDocs, users can ask questions about medical symptoms or health conditions and get answers from healthcare professionals or knowledgeable individuals.
- Engaging and Interactive: Reddit's voting system and comment threads allow easy engagement. Popular answers get visibility, and the community can provide further clarifications or alternative suggestions.
- Free Advice!: Let's be honest; we don't want to go to the doctor every time we have a weird rash or a tickle in our throats. Reddit offers a free space where you can get potentially effective advice. (Note: This does not mean Reddit is a substitute. If you have a serious issue, you should definitely see a doctor)
Reddit's decentralized structure allows users to participate in highly specialized communities.
The direct engagement with both amateurs and professionals fosters a dynamic environment of shared knowledge.
Moreover, Reddit's anonymity and open discussion style help reduce the stigma around sensitive health topics and can allow an individual to ask private questions.
Again, you need to use some discernment when browsing the Reddit boards, but we're sure you'll find a ton of good information and advice.
We'll put the primary link below, but the boards are vast, and you could spend hours perusing the information. So, if there's something very specific you want to look at, just use their search bar!
3. MyFitnessPal Community
You have most likely heard of MyFitnessPal, as it's one of the most popular apps and websites designed to help users track their nutrition and exercise.
The app itself is primarily focused on tracking calories and macronutrients. However, it also hosts community forums that provide knowledge and support for those aiming to improve their health and fitness.
The platform has been around for years and currently has millions of active members.
You do need to make an account, but it's 100% free. Plus, this membership also gives you access to the app itself, and it's a free program, which has a ton of features, such as calorie tracking.
What makes it stand out:
- Nutritional Focus: MyFitnessPal's forums are useful for weight loss, muscle gain, and healthy eating. Users frequently share their calorie and macronutrient tracking tips.
- Supportive Community: The community is known for its inclusivity and support, with many users forming connections with others who have similar fitness goals.
- Progress Tracking: Members regularly post progress updates and success stories, inspiring others to stay on track.
- Accountability: The app's integration with the forums encourages users to track their progress and interact with others for motivation and accountability.
- Challenges: What's cool is the community hosts various challenges you can participate in. These are a great way to stay motivated.
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Wide Range Of Topics: While MyFitnessPal is nutrition-oriented, the community does offer a wider range of boards, such as;
- Sleep, meditation, mindfulness and overall wellness
- Success Stories
- Goal-based forums (Bodybuilding, maintaining weight)
- Fitness and exercise
MyFitnessPal community is very impressive and offers an excellent balance of tracking tools, community support, actual advice, and tips on training.
The integration between the app and forums makes it easy for users to access nutritional advice, receive feedback on their fitness progress, and discuss successes and setbacks.
4. HealthBoards
If you're looking for health-specific topics to discuss, you must head to HealthBoards.
HealthBoards is one of the largest and most comprehensive health forums on the internet, offering users a wide range of discussions on nearly every health topic imaginable, including;
- Chronic diseases
- Mental health
- Fitness & weight loss
- Alternative medicine
HealthBoards has a forum for virtually every aspect of physical and mental well-being. In fact, here are some of the threads posted the day of writing this article;
- "I have Bell's Palsy."
- "Anti-inflammatories and Immuno-Modulating Drugs?"
- "I need help here (albumin/creatinine ratio)."
- "My child has speech difficulties."
Again, these are just a selection to demonstrate the topics discussed.
What makes it stand out:
- Extensive Categories: The forum covers a variety of topics, including chronic conditions (like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease), mental health (anxiety and depression), fitness, nutrition, and even lifestyle-related issues.
- Active Community: HealthBoards boasts an active community with thousands of members eager to share their experiences and advice. You can read existing threads or start your own to ask questions and get responses from fellow users.
- Anonymity: If you're uncomfortable sharing personal information, HealthBoards allows for anonymous participation, ensuring users can interact without revealing their identity.
HealthBoards is incredibly user-friendly and offers abundant resources for anyone looking to educate themselves or find help.
The diverse topics suit a broad range of people with different health interests. The large user base also means you're likely to find discussions from others who have faced similar challenges.
Now, some of the specific topics don't all have new threads. However, go to "Find a board" and search for whatever interests you're interested in, and you'll find all the related threads. Search around, and we're sure you'll find some help or information to get you headed in the right direction.
5. T-Nation Forums
T-Nation has long been an authoritative site in the fitness and bodybuilding world. It focuses on strength, conditioning, bodybuilding, supplements, and sports nutrition.
Its forums are a treasure trove of expert articles, user experiences, and fitness-related discussions.
Its content is for everybody, and everyone can learn from T-Nation. With that said, it does tend to cater to the more serious lifter, whether that be a powerlifter, bodybuilder, Strongman, or any other training modality.
What makes it stand out:
- Expert Content: T-Nation regularly publishes articles by leading experts in the fitness industry, including trainers, physiologists, and athletes, and they are frequently discussed on the forums.
- Diverse Topics: While bodybuilding and strength training are dominant themes, the forums also cover a wide range of topics, including fat loss, metabolic conditioning, supplements, and mental toughness.
- High-Level Discussions: The forum attracts experienced lifters and coaches, making it an excellent resource for intermediate to advanced athletes seeking in-depth information.
- Professional Networking: Users can connect with fitness professionals for tailored advice and networking opportunities.
For experienced lifters or serious athletes, T-Nation's forum provides a highly technical and knowledge-rich environment.
The forums are geared toward those looking for in-depth discussions and expert-level advice.
Conclusion
Health and fitness forums are essential resources for anyone interested in improving their well-being.
Whether you're a beginner seeking motivation, a seasoned athlete looking for expert advice, or someone simply trying to stay accountable to your fitness goals, the above forums offer awesome tools, discussions, and support.
We believe that participating in these communities is one of the best ways to gain valuable insights, educate yourself, and stay motivated on your fitness journey.
Garett Reid
Author