Editorial Policy
Fitness Clone was created to help readers achieve their health and fitness goals. Our goal is to make sure every reader has access to the resources they need to live a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
We’ve been where you’ve been before. You want to get healthy but you don’t know where to start. You don’t know which diet to follow, which supplements to take, and which workout routine to commit to.
The internet makes things even more confusing. Every fitness “guru” pitches some type of foolproof system and supplement companies tout the benefits of “miracle” supplements that can solve all of your problems.
How do you make sense of any of it?
That’s where our team comes in. We spend thousands of hours reading the latest research and testing the latest health and fitness products. Our goal is to simplify health and help you make smarter decisions.
Keep reading to learn more about our process for writing articles, guides, and reviews.
Editorial Methodology
Our team of writers is research-driven. We don’t rely on anecdotal experiences or what that guy at the gym says you should be doing to get lean and strong.
We go straight to the source. We analyze medical journals, academic papers, and information from credible sources. We compile this research to develop a comprehensive understanding of the topics we cover.
After wading our way through medical jargon, we simplify the information to make it easy-to-follow and enjoyable to read (hopefully!).
We believe that information on health and fitness should be accessible. You shouldn’t need a master’s in science to start reaching your health goals. Our team of writers takes complicated subjects and breaks them down in a way that makes it easy for you to take action.
Editorial Principles
Our team is dedicated to providing the most effective health and fitness resources on the web. Here are a few of the principles that guide us.
Follow the Research
Health is science, and like any scientific field, the best insights come from research (and lots of it). Our content is research-driven, and we rely solely on reputable sources.
Pursue Truth
In the spirit of research-driven analyses, our primary goal is to uncover the truth. Which diets are most effective? Which workout routines actually work? Which supplements do what they say they do?
The internet is teeming with bold marketing claims, anecdotal experiences, and under-researched content. We aim to break through the barrier of noise and uncover the truth.
Hold Companies Accountable
Our team is constantly researching the latest vitamins, supplements, and fitness products. When analyzing any product, we hold companies accountable for what they say and do. We expect health products to do what they say they do – no if’s, and’s, or but’s.
Making a bold marketing claim? Be prepared to back it up.
Touting the quality of your product? Be prepared to back it up.
We expect companies to maintain ethical practices in their marketing, pricing, and manufacturing.
Adapt and Evolve
Health is science, but like any good field of science, it is constantly evolving. Every day, new data is presented, and new research hits the medical journals. We do our best to stay on top of the latest research and update our content accordingly.
We also listen to you, the reader. Think we got a review wrong? Is there something we can do better? Don’t hesitate to contact us with feedback. We are always striving for improvement and your feedback is welcome.
Review Criteria
We understand the importance of choosing the right health products, and our team is dedicated to helping our readers understand the best products for their needs. When reviewing and rating products, we consider a variety of factors.
Effectiveness
Our primary goal when reviewing and rating a health product is to determine whether or not it is effective.
We define an “effective” product as one that supports the claimed/expected health benefits and meets customers’ expectations.
To gauge the effectiveness of a product, we:
- Review the ingredients and dosages
- Refer to scientific studies on the ingredients
- Cite personal experiences when applicable
- Cite customer experiences when applicable
Many of our reviews will also include a “Claims vs. Reality” section. A company may have a great product, but if they overhype it with bold marketing claims, customers will have unrealistic expectations. We use this section to hold companies accountable for the claims they make about their products to ensure customers have reasonable expectations.
Ingredient Quality and Dosage
Reviewing a health supplement’s formulation is the most important part of our review process.
Individual experience with products will vary, so we defer to the science to determine how effective a product will be for the general public.
We rely on scientific studies to determine the effectiveness of ingredients in different doses.
When analyzing product formulations, we consider:
- The ingredients
- The form of the ingredients
- The dosage of the ingredients
- The amount of research on the ingredients
- Scientific evidence that supports the purported benefits of the products
We expect great products to use well-researched ingredients in the right forms and dosages.
Company Reputation and Quality Standards
The supplement industry is not regulated by the FDA, so it’s best to take products from reputable companies.
When considering a company’s reputation, we look at:
- Company History
- Manufacturing Practices
- Third-Party Certifications & Testing
- Return/Refund Policies
- Customer Reviews & Feedback
Safety and Side Effects
We consider the safety and side effects associated with every product and its ingredients.
Our reviews include notes of any side effects, their frequency of occurrence, and their severity.
Price and Value
We understand the price is an important consideration with every purchase, and we consider the affordability and value of every product we review.
This analysis is not as simple as labeling a product as “cheap” or “expensive.”
We consider the true value of a product. An “expensive” product that works is a better value than a “cheap” product that does not.
Our goal is to determine whether or not a product is worth buying.
Comparison to Alternatives
We don’t just want our readers to find good health products. We want to help them find the best health products for their needs.
When determining whether or not a health product is worth buying, we consider how it compares to similar products.
- Is the formula the same, better, or worse?
- Are there more reputable alternatives?
- Are there more cost-effective options?
- Are there better products for specific health goals?
Customer Feedback
We consider the experience of other customers to determine whether or not a product is delivering on its promises.
We read reviews and look at aggregate ratings to understand if customers are satisfied with the products and the companies they are buying them from.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on Fitness Clone is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
You should always consult with your doctor before trying a new health product, following a new diet, or starting a new workout routine.
Every individual is unique and should not rely on general information when making important health decisions.
How We Make Money
At Fitness Clone, our goal is to provide readers with the resources they need to live a better life. In order to do this, we need to generate income. Our team of writers and researchers works tirelessly to create premium quality content that readers can access for free. We will never charge you a dime for access to information. Instead, we make money through referrals and advertisements.
Here’s some more information on how the process works and how we maintain integrity.
Advertising
You may see banner ads in certain articles across the website. We generate income when visitors click on a banner ad on our website.
Referrals (Affiliate Links)
We’d like to preface this section by mentioning that you can maintain a healthy lifestyle by following an effective diet and exercising regularly. Being healthy doesn’t need to be expensive. You are not obligated to purchase any of the products we recommend and we encourage you to do your own due diligence before buying any product. With that said, there are certain products and services that may help you along your journey.
As avid health enthusiasts ourselves, we use certain products to help us achieve our goals.
Occasionally, we make product recommendations in our articles and reviews and may be compensated if you decide to purchase a product. Our goal is to connect readers with high-quality products that can help them reach their goals. Some of the links in our posts are “affiliate links” for which we receive a commission if you decide to purchase a product.
We only recommend products we believe in and our writers are not swayed by partnerships.
We believe that ethical recommendations are “win-win.” We recommend products we believe will actually help our readers and we may be compensated if a reader decides to purchase a product.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.