Triphasic Training Coaching Mistake 3 – The Pitfalls of Following Unproven Fitness Experts
Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of coaching mistakes. In my eagerness to learn and grow, I’ve been drawn to various experts in the fitness field, only to realize later that I was misled by the allure of their so-called expertise. These individuals often presented themselves as authorities, but their advice was based more on theory than on practical, real-world experience. Through my journey, I’ve identified two types of these experts: the “Armchair Textbook/Abstract Fitness Expert” and the “Theoretical Hashtag Fitness Expert.”
Recognizing the Armchair Textbook/Abstract Fitness Expert
Early in my coaching career, I was captivated by the Armchair Textbook/Abstract Fitness Expert. These individuals are typically well-read, often citing research studies and fitness journals to back their claims. They seem to have a deep understanding of theory and are eager to share how you can apply research findings to real-world training scenarios.
However, here’s where I went wrong: I assumed that because they could talk the talk, they could also walk the walk. The reality was far from it. I soon discovered that many of these experts had never actually tested their theories on athletes over a long-term training cycle. Their advice, while sound in theory, lacked the crucial element of practical application.
I had the privilege of working with a biomedical engineering teams early on, and even these students, with no sports background, could conduct tests that debunked some of the advice I had been following. Their data showed that the metrics touted by these so-called experts didn’t hold up under scrutiny. This was a tough pill to swallow, as it challenged my belief systems and forced me to reevaluate my approach.
When I reached out to these experts, asking about their testing methods, I was often met with vague responses or admissions of minimal, if any, testing. In just four months, I was able to gather 200,000 data points on a project I was working on, which revealed that what I had once believed might not be accurate. It was a humbling experience, but it taught me the importance of evidence-based practice in coaching.
The Rise of the Theoretical Hashtag Fitness Expert
As social media began to dominate the fitness landscape, I encountered a new type of expert: the Theoretical Hashtag Fitness Expert. These individuals often post eye-catching exercises on social media, filming themselves performing the latest workout trends. At first glance, their exercises seem innovative and promising, and their confident claims can be persuasive.
However, I soon realized that these exercises, while visually impressive, often lacked substance. Theoretical Hashtag Fitness Experts would claim that a particular movement would make athletes more explosive or faster, but the reality was far different. In fact, watching some of these exercises, I couldn’t help but think they resembled my grandmother struggling to get out of a rocking chair—not exactly the picture of athletic explosiveness.
The issue with these exercises is that they often fail to mimic the velocity, position, and effectiveness of the original movement they aim to improve. For something to transfer effectively to athletic performance, it must closely replicate the demands of the sport. Unfortunately, the exercises promoted by Theoretical Hashtag Fitness Experts often miss this mark entirely. The compensation patterns and lack of proper form displayed in their videos are concerning, and while these exercises might benefit a beginner, they fall short for elite athletes who require highly specific training to see improvements.
Moving Forward: A Cautionary Tale
Reflecting on my experiences, I realize that my excitement to learn sometimes clouded my judgment. I was eager to believe in the expertise of others, but I failed to recognize the importance of practical application and evidence-based practice. This is not to maliciously attack those who claim to be experts; rather, it is to make others aware of the potential pitfalls of blindly following advice that hasn’t been rigorously tested.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that true expertise comes not just from reading and studying but from years of hands-on experience, testing, and refining one’s approach based on real-world results. As coaches and athletes, we must be discerning in who we listen to and ensure that the advice we follow is rooted in both theory and practice.
In conclusion, while even the worst advice might get someone off the couch and moving, the goal should be to seek out and follow experts who have proven their methods through rigorous testing and practical experience. Let my mistakes serve as a guide for you to avoid the same traps I fell into. Let’s strive for a fitness industry where expertise is earned through action, not just words.
