Buzz
Whenever I come across an enticing advertisement for a new health or fitness product or hear about a tempting trend, I have to admit, I feel the same pull as anyone else. Sometimes things look pretty appealing! I picture myself like the people in the ad, enjoying the benefits promised—and then I snap back to reality and ask myself two critical questions.
Is this addressing a genuine problem?
Is it the optimal solution to that issue?
Both questions are quick to filter out nonsense, but the second one has the added benefit of guiding you toward the most effective solution for whatever your problem might be. You might not buy the item from the ad at all, but in the process of searching, you might find something better, more affordable, or more fitting for your needs.
Here’s an example: A company is marketing electrolyte powder that you can mix into your water bottle. The ad claims this product can 'deliver hydration to your bloodstream faster & more efficiently than water alone.' So let’s ask ourselves these two questions:
Have I ever been confused by the issue of getting hydration into my bloodstream inefficiently? Not really.
We don’t even need to consider the second question.
Does this mean all electrolyte powders are ineffective? Not exactly. It really depends on the problem they aim to solve. If I were training for a marathon and running long, intense stretches, I’d want to ensure I replace the sodium lost through sweating. In this case, I might view the same product but approach it with a different question:
Does this address my need for electrolytes during my run? If the label checks out, yes.
Is it the most effective way to solve that problem? Possibly. I have multiple options to consider.
There are a variety of electrolyte tablets and powders available, which are convenient because you can carry them dry and mix them with water as needed. Another option is diluted Gatorade. Alternatively, you could hydrate with water and allow your post-run meal to restore electrolytes. Now that I have several choices, I can evaluate the pros and cons of each. I may decide to stick with the product that sparked this thought process, or I might find that another option better suits my needs.
Let’s explore a few more examples. These are all things I’ve noticed in ads lately.
Supplements for boosting immunity:
Do they address a genuine concern? I’d prefer not to get sick, so in that regard, yes.
Are they the most effective solution to this issue? Not really. Boosting your immune system isn't a cure-all. If I’m concerned about contracting COVID, my best bets are staying home as much as possible and wearing masks when I go out in public.
Plastic barbells that are lightweight:
Do they solve a real issue? Definitely, if I didn’t already have weights at home, I’d be interested in something I can lift without spending money on an entire home gym setup.
Are they the best way to address this issue? Well, these barbells (I've seen several brands advertised) are quite pricey and don’t hold much weight. So, if I start working out with them now, I’ll soon need to replace them with something heavier. It might be smarter to invest in more versatile options like heavy resistance bands, a kettlebell, or two, or save for a proper barbell and plates.
Leggings with pockets:
Do they resolve a real issue? Absolutely. Clothing without pockets is the worst.
Are they the best solution to this issue? In principle, yes. As for specific brands, some leggings fit better and last longer than others. I reached out to friends for recommendations, and now I have a few pairs of pocketed leggings that I truly love.
The responses to the two questions will be subjective, as they depend on whether the product addresses a problem for you. Next time you encounter a product or trend (or even a particular workout style!) that piques your interest, feel free to try it out for yourself.
