Buzz
Understanding exercise can feel like an uphill battle. You might watch a YouTube video and feel like you’ve got it all figured out, only to stumble upon an Instagram post that says the complete opposite. If you ask a gym trainer, they’ll likely tell you both sources are overcomplicating things and recommend their own method. Why is fitness advice so tangled? Here are my insights and strategies to help you cut through the noise.
A major reason is that there are multiple valid answers to every fitness question. You don’t need to hunt for the single 'perfect' solution before starting your workout, just as you wouldn’t need to find the absolute best restaurant in town before enjoying a meal. Let’s explore some common sources of confusion and how to tackle them effectively.
Not everyone is addressing your specific needs
First, let’s tackle the primary reason behind conflicting advice in any field: Experts are addressing different audiences. You, as the reader or viewer, aren’t part of every single one of those audiences simultaneously.
For instance, searching for 'how to squat' yields a range of answers. One expert might focus on bodybuilders aiming to maximize leg muscle growth. Another could target powerlifters striving to lift heavier weights in competitions. Meanwhile, a third might cater to beginners just starting their fitness journey. It’s logical that their advice would differ, isn’t it?
How to navigate this: Choose a specific type of advice to follow. If you’re interested in powerlifting basics, for example, there are books, videos, and coaches dedicated to teaching it. Beginners should avoid advanced lifting advice, as it won’t be relevant to their current stage.
If you’re unsure about your direction, it’s perfectly fine to explore various sources and compare their perspectives. Just don’t expect them to align perfectly with one another.
The algorithm thrives on unnecessary debates
The fundamentals of training are straightforward, even if they appear daunting to beginners. Improve your running by spending time on your feet, not by turning every session into a race. (Check out our beginners’ guide here.) Build strength by gradually lifting heavier weights, though this doesn’t require weekly increases—following a structured program is key. If you’re new to everything, focus on establishing a routine and staying consistent; the finer details can wait.
However, we often seek more knowledge, believing that confusion or anxiety can be resolved with additional information. Turning to YouTube (or similar platforms), we encounter a flood of content. But the algorithm complicates things: creators thrive by producing endless videos, not by sharing basic advice and stepping away.
This leads to intense debates over minor details: Which running shoe is slightly superior? Should you exercise before or after breakfast? Is it better to perform dumbbell lateral raises with a neutral grip or with pinkies slightly raised? (Yes, the last one is a real and hotly contested topic.)
Creators also boost engagement by reacting to rivals, fostering controversies, and claiming others are wrong. The algorithm thrives on confusion, driving viewers to watch more. In reality, the position of your pinkies during lateral raises will have a negligible impact on your shoulder development over a year. Even if a definitive answer existed, it wouldn’t matter much.
How to navigate this: Once, while typing 'optimal,' my phone corrected it to 'optional.' That’s a profound lesson. Optimal is optional. If you’re doing things well enough, obsessing over minor details won’t make a significant difference. Save those debates for Olympic athletes, where tiny margins decide gold medals. For now, remember there are countless paths to fitness—choose the one that’s simplest or most enjoyable for you.
Most advice aims to steer you in a specific direction
Let’s take a break from the social media algorithm and discuss the practical advice you might receive from a trainer.
When a trainer guides your movements, they provide cues. These aren’t meant to be precise scientific descriptions but rather gentle pushes toward better form. For instance, if your heels lift during a squat, you might hear, 'Push through your heels.'
This can cause confusion if another trainer advises, 'Maintain even pressure across your entire foot.' While this might suit someone leaning back on their heels, it could also help those rising onto their toes. In reality, both trainers share the same goal: preventing excessive forward or backward movement.
Since cues are directional suggestions, they aren’t inherently right or wrong—just more or less effective. What works for one person might not work for you.
How to navigate this: If you’re receiving advice in person, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Otherwise, experiment with both conflicting cues to determine which one improves your strength or form. You might also find it helpful to explore our breakdowns of the most commonly misunderstood cues.
