What you should and shouldn't believe in the fitness industry!
We are all individuals
11.1 million people were registered in gyms in Germany in 2023, and there are just as many different bodies. We have to be aware that people are different. I feel that individuality needs to be emphasized again in the fitness industry. A student who wants to achieve maximum muscle growth should train differently than a single mother who wants to keep her body fit for everyday life. The amount of time they both want to spend on training is different. The goals are different. The bodies are different. Therefore, both should train differently. You have to be aware of this aspect of individuality when listening to opinions from people in the fitness industry.
All roads lead to Rome
Every man has probably done bench presses at some point because he was told you need them for a big pec. And every woman has probably done hip thrusts for a muscular butt. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's not the only way. Your body doesn't care if you use a barbell, dumbbells, or your body weight to create a stimulus. This becomes even more clear when we look at cardio training. If you want better endurance, your body doesn't care if you run, bike, or swim. So if someone tries to tell you that you need to do something, they're probably trying to sell you something. There are many different ways to get you to your goal. You don't have to do a specific exercise or a specific training method.
A study ≠ scientific truth
Unfortunately, many people believe that if a statement is supported by one study, it is scientifically proven. This is wrong. The reality is different. Science is more than just a study. It is based on repeated experiments, extensive research, and the consensus of the scientific community. A single study is only part of the whole picture. True scientific knowledge comes from replicating studies. When different researchers find similar results under different conditions, the hypothesis gains credibility. Scientific consensus occurs when the majority of experts in a field reach an agreement based on comprehensive and consistent evidence. If someone uses only one study to support their thesis in an Instagram post, that doesn't mean it's wrong. But it also doesn't mean their thesis is scientifically supported.
These three points should be used to deal with different opinions in the fitness industry. Be aware that tips that are perfect for person A may not work at all for person B. Don't believe any "savior". If you only accept your own truth as the universal truth, you cannot give good fitness tips. Don't become gullible because someone backs up their statement with a single study. This has nothing to do with science.
I hope I was able to give you a few points to help you decide which tips are right for you and which aren't. Unfortunately, there is no one truth in the fitness industry. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to DM me at @maxdavidyuma or email me at max@bigperformancecoaching.com.