We’ve all heard of bro science, and we’ve all joked about bro science, but almost everyone reading this article has also been fooled by bro science at some time or another. I mean who can blame you. Not every kernel of workout wisdom can be scientifically reviewed. The Internet is too big and there’s simply not enough scientists out there! So lacking a rubber stamp from a Harvard medical doctor, how can you know if what you’re reading is accurate?
50 Shades of Science
When it comes to exercise science there are different degrees of credibility.
- At the very top you have peer reviewed articles written by medical doctors and researchers. These are usually the most accurate, but are not always the easiest to read.
- Then you have blogs and articles written by personal trainers based on industry experiences and usually referencing scientific studies.
- There’s also content written by athletes and lifelong fitness enthusiasts who don’t have the same credentials as a doctor or trainer, but can still offer valuable insights based on a lifetime of experiences on the topic they’re writing about.
- Then you have content written by people who mean well but just don’t know what they’re talking about.
- And below this are Internet trolls creating fake or misleading content just for kicks. So how do you know which is which?
The tricky part is being able to tell which is which, because it’s not always as obvious as you may think. Some bro science uses enough technical language to seem legit. And there are even times that legitimate sources run poorly vetted articles.
Cross Check The Information
It’s important to cross check an article’s main points against other articles, especially if it’s something you think you might incorporate into your own workout routine. If several experts are all saying roughly the same thing, there’s probably some validity to it.
Double Check Your Sources
When in doubt look into the author and the publication they're writing for to determine whether or not they’re a credible source. Examples of credible online publications include Men’s Health, Runner’s World, and Muscle and Fitness. Not so credible sources include anonymous blogs and Reddit, which isn’t to say that these forums can’t sometimes provide useful and insightful information, just that you should take everything they say with a grain of salt.
Talk to a Trainer
If you’re serious about optimizing your workout routine, the best thing you can do is to talk to a professional about any questions you may have. And no, ChatGPT does not count. Instead carve out some time to meet with a personal trainer, preferably one with a NASM, ISSA, ACSM, NSCA, ACE, or AFAA certification, or a B.S. from an accredited university in a sports related field.
Hiero AI makes it easy to find certified trainers in your area. All you have to do is download the Hiero app, tell us how you like to train, and then get a list of qualified trainers who meet your preferences.