Thanks to the Internet, we now have access to all the information we need quickly and easily. But this can be a double edged sword because we can be bombarded with contradictory information.
This seems to be especially true with the fitness industry. Different experts and people saying different things and all claiming it works.
What's someone just starting out supposed to believe?
Why is there all this contradiction?
Do people not know what they are talking about? Perhaps.
But before I write on, I would like to say that as a fitness professional, I find myself giving contradictory advice to different clients. The true reason why is because no one person is exactly the same as another. It would be absolutely foolish to assume that there is only one way to get in shape and that it's set in stone for everyone.
Scientific research is usually measured in percentages. What I mean is that when a research makes a claim about an exercise that works, (or any kind of research in general) they will write something along the lines of "(insert number)% of people in the research group saw the following results..." as an example.
Rarely will you ever see a 100% success rate if at all. Therefore, even if something is confirmed by scientific research, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's the best approach for every individual.
In addition, articles posted on the Internet tend to be more generalized because getting into all the details requires a lot of time and writing - hence the reason why I wrote a book about how to correctly approach exercise. As a result, that leaves room for those who have a more unique approach to debate that their approach is the better one because it has worked better for them when in reality all methods are better for different people.
But if there is a piece of advice that can apply to everyone who is looking to exercise, it's this:
A mediocre fitness plan attacked with 100% effort will be more effective than the most scientifically efficient workout attacked with a half hearted effort.
Therefore if find yourself confused as what to do just remember that if you can manage to get yourself a great workout plan and give it your 100%, you will see the greatest results. But if you can't, you'll still see great results with any workout plan as long as you give it your all, and of course, perform the exercises correctly as to avoid injury.