Relativity

The main problem I have with the fitness industry as a whole is that there is a HUGE disconnect between the macrocosm and the microcosm.  The macrocosm is all those products, general statements by fitness experts, and overall clichés’ of the fitness industry used to educate and instruct the public.  The microcosm is the application of those products, general statements by fitness experts, and overall clichés’ of the fitness industry to the individual.  It’s not that the macrocosm of the industry is incorrect (usually, although there are some charlatans out there making egregious claims) it’s that the application of those ideas, products, and services are misapplied to the individual.  So, absolute statements typically don’t work well in the fitness industry.  

Why?  It’s difficult.  It’s the same problem science has with a unifying theory of everything:  there is distortion in the data when those ideas are applied and unpredictable results occur.   The same is true for fitness.  A fitness guru could say “Always do X.”  But the problem is that the guru has no way to determine who is actually going to do X and whether or not they can do X.  

So what do we do?

“Suit the action to the word, the word to the action as t’were one.” –Hamlet

We do two things:

1.        We determine the individual’s current fitness level.

2.       We determine the individual’s goal.

Then we choose the appropriate ideas, products, and services will help us attain our goal given the fitness level.  Make sure its’ a choice that you make and not an advertisement SOLD to you.  It’s tempting to watch some of these commercials with incredibly shapely models and not associate what you see with the product that is being sold to you.  CHOOSE a product based on your fitness level and your goals.  Do some homework.  Choose science, not science fiction.  I’m asking for the long term perspective.  It’s not easy, and certainly it takes time.  But it’s the most rewarding.  I promise. 

Mo-Tate.  Motivate your life to Motion.