The Internet is an awesome resource for learning, but I stress just because a blogger (like me) says you should do something, don’t consider it without first using some deductive reasoning.

There’s so much information coming at you every day online, and a lot of it conflicts, so it’s easy to get lost in information overload. With regard to fitness specifically, every Tom, Dick & Harry considers themselves an expert (like me), but just because they have a few years of successful experience reshaping their own bodies, doesn`t mean they can do the same to yours.

Don’t you know someone that can eat pretty much whatever they want and stay ripped yet someone else can damned near live on tuna and rice cakes and still  look “skinny fat“? I can bet for damn sure that the ripped guy isn’t training any harder, in fact probably less so, but he’s figured out the best way to get the most out of his genetic blueprint. Person B may be pushing it hard in the gym, but just because they’re being consistent, it’s the whole head-against-the-wall repeatedly isn’t going to yield different results theory. If what you are doing right now is not working, switch it up TODAY.

We also tend to over-complicate things, and I’ve been guilty of that in the past looking for that secret training program or supplement to put me over the top. There’s people using scientific studies to dictate how they train, doing 3.2 sets of 11.5 reps because some random sampling of university students said that was the ideal amount for growth. No, listen to your own body, take your trainer’s advice if needed, but shape it to best suit your needs (not based on laziness, but on what you find works best). We are all built different biomechanically; a one-size-fits-all approach is not the way to go about this.

Cliff notes: If there’s one thing you take from this, it’s this: Think for yourself. That goes for everything, but in fitness that means trying different methods and figuring out what works for YOU, and then staying consistent with that approach to yield results.

Just because your doctor said to eat “healthy whole grains” to cure those piss poor cholesterol levels, doesn’t mean his or her word is the gospel. Hell, my GP tells me he googles stuff when he gets asked questions by patients he doesn’t truly know the answer to. Good for him for being honest really, and I’d say google isn’t the worst place to the find the answers he seeks, but doesn’t that go to show only you can be trusted here?

Take control of your own health, no one knows you better than you do. People hire trainers and then don’t commit to the plan even 80% of the time, and then blame the trainer. Wrong, you were lazy and thought hiring a trainer would magically transform you, without committing to put in the work required.

At the same time, if you are paying a trainer to get you in shape, sticking to the plan and are looking worse by the day, QUESTION his or her judgment. If they fail to make adjustments, cut them loose. You are paying them so they better put some time into their efforts.

Sure, fish oils are good for you, but large amounts can lead to blood in your urine and/or even hemorrhagic. I hear of guys taking 30+ double strength tablets a day. WTF. I know I’m all over the place here, but do you see what I’m getting at with all this?

Common sense, people! You’ve been blessed with the ability, so damn well use it.