Paralysis by Analysis, Part Two
Written by Bryce Smith
When is knowledge too much knowledge?
There is so much information out there these days and different schools of thought on many things regarding fitness that our minds are becoming cluttered with too much knowledge. I am beginning to notice that those with the deepest knowledge regarding all things training and fitness related develop a case of analysis paralysis. So many things become contraindicated that it becomes questionable to even lift an empty bar or do basic movements. Some of these people pick out issues like they are weeds in their garden; which makes me wonder whether these people are coaches, athletes, or doctors.
It becomes incredibly bad when the majority of the knowledge base comes from one practitioner or strength coach. Workouts are now beginning with an hour of prehab, workouts have become extremely complex, and there are so many things to activate these days that it takes away from actually lifting anything. It’s tough to straddle the line of being a good, knowledgeable coach/athlete, and being a coach/athlete who starts losing touch with the reality of life, human nature, the body, and goes for the most science-approved method, all the time [1]. A blend of the two is ideal.
So many athletes and coaches are developing strong opinions on everything that everyone thinks they are the know-it-all in fitness. I see so much black and white that there is no room for the grey athletes and coaches who are actually making a difference. I have met some super awesome athletes, coaches, and trainers who are completely capable of wearing the diagnostic and corrective hat, making tremendous use of the knowledge they possess; but also know how to get their hands dirty a bit with the simple lifts where they crush squats, presses, and pulls with perfect technique to make for some incredible workouts [1].
Some people like to complicate the fitness world, but Carl Paoli said it best, “Movement is a language we all speak.” He taught me that movement is in a state of constant adaptation and as a result, nothing is truth. He went on to say that a video he posted yesterday could be old news and in the ever evolving field of strength and conditioning, new methodologies can always arise.
Don’t get me wrong; acquiring knowledge is a good thing. The day you stop learning is the day you stop living. But acquiring the knowledge to apply is one thing, but knowing how and when to “turn down the volume” with the over the top diagnosing, prescribing, and issue chatting so that quality training can be attained is just as beneficial [1]. We all got into training to have fun and maximize our human potential; we do not want to be stuck with the severe disease of paralysis by analysis.
References
1) Boyce, Lee. “Analysis Paralysis, and the Knowledge-Jackedness Continuum.” Lee Boyce. Leeboycetraining.com, 1 July 2012. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.