When it comes to exercise science there are different degrees of credibility.
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.
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.
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.
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.