What's Wrong With That?

If you’re in the fitness and health space and have ever decided to scroll on really any social media platform. You soon come to the realization that everything you’re doing is incorrect or not enough for getting stronger, or bigger, or leaner, or even living longer. We live in this world where anyone and everyone can have an opinion that others take as fact. As long as they are entertaining enough, say it with enough confidence, or was on the right podcast or paid a creator enough to be endorsed. We even have a rise in doctors of various specialties capitalizing on the ignorance of the masses.

Before I keep going, my disclaimer is I do not claim to know everything. Quite frankly, that sounds exhausting. I’m only using my experience in my career and studies, common sense, and logical reasoning for everything I implement and put out. That does not mean I don’t get things wrong, or I don’t change my methods… because if you ask my clients, you would know first-hand that every so often I implement a new method or steer the program into a slightly different direction. This all happens based on new research, experience, or issues that arise with the client.

As I was saying…
This article is really to help shine a light on some of these charlatans and their antics.
(A charlatan is a fraud: someone who acts like an expert but isn't, usually to sell lies, services, or products that don't work.)

A few things to assess, understand, question, and take with a grain of salt…

Any influencer, coach, trainer, etc. that talks about something in fitness or health that you MUST do (outside of drinking water, get enough sleep, and exercise) should be questioned and probably labeled as a charlatan. The problem with this is, training, diet, and health routines are extremely nuanced. Just because there is a good evidence that consistently working on your deadlift and its variations has benefits across the board for strength, balance, and control; I’m not going to be the guy who has to use a walker for assistance through a deadlift progression plan.
Obviously, that’s an exaggeration, but I feel as if most should have this level of skepticism.
Do not take the word of someone that seems married to one method of anything. It’s okay to try thing out, but be honest with yourself.

Unless it’s get enough sleep, lower your stress, eat a balanced diet, and move more it’s not a “bio-hack.” The closest you’ll come to an actual “bio-hack” outside of what I listed is probably creatine… and that’s still not a “bio-hack.” I know it’s unfortunate, but if you just do what I listed, you will see so many benefits. Especially finding outlets for lowering your stress. Which a lot of times, is finding a social and at least somewhat active hobby. I understand life is busy, but this can add more life to your life.
Don’t fall for any “bio-hacks",” especially anything with the label of: superfood, cleanse, testosterone booster, etc.

Not a thing. I don’t care what the GNC employee told you. If it’s targeted towards a certain gender (typically women), its either over-priced, or is under/weirdly dosed; which still come out as over-priced. For men, it’s usually something focused on testosterone boosting.. which we’ve already covered, isn’t going to work.
If you’re worried about anything that you may be deficient in, you can also go get some lab done to see what may need a helping hand. Then, find that source in food, then if you can’t seem to eat enough, go for the supplement.

Eat and train in a balance. If you gravitate towards one kind, that’s okay! Do that, but don’t be afraid of also doing other things. For example, stigma of cardio work and lifting for purely strength in bodybuilding; it’s okay to implement those. Just learn how to intergrade them without losing size which typically comes down to food.
If you like eating a certain way, that’s great! Eat that way, but do not villainize foods in the process. But I do have to mention: it’s okay to be mostly one type of diet, but know that a balance, is key. Just like a powerlifter should implement some volume, single-joint movements (with a walk), so should the carnivore with some fruits and veggies.

And on that note with the diets and arguments… if you believe in evolution, we are predominately plant based animals. Which means, plant foods should be a must. Then along the way, we developed with hunter/scavenger pack type traits, developed a long digestive track, and utilize cooking our food. Now we have the means of eating quite a variety of foods (thanks to our high amount of digestive track bacteria. Fun facts: you don’t actually breakdown your food, bacteria does. And your have more bacteria non-human bacteria in your body than you do human cells).

Closing Thoughts

It’s easy to fall into the trap of listening solely to your favorite influencer or business… Unfortunately, being viral or famous seems to be more important to people.

Be skeptical, do your research, don’t be afraid to try new things, but don’t fall into the trap of just because they seem genuine or people endorse them means they are right or being honest.

If you see anything and feel like you need a second opinion, please reach out, I am also here to help🫡

Thanks for reading this week’s edition of Unmasked by The Weekly Standard!

If you found value in these insights, share it with a training buddy or post it on your social feed; let’s spread the knowledge and push each other to new levels. See you next time!