Why is everyone an expert? (Not Re: recent forum problems) - JP Fitness Forums

Sign · 05-30-2007, 02:37 PM

I tried to think of a better title but it was the best way to describe the phenomena I am wondering about. Also, incase anyone wants to start up the debate that has raged on this forum please take it to the other thread, that is not what this is about. I am not questioning anybody on this forum.

Now, onto the problem at hand. What is it about the health and fitness field that everyone thinks they are an expert? Everyone has come across a situation where someone feels the need to give you their input on what you are doing and how you are doing it wrong or you should do it there way.

This seems to be a unique problem to the fitness field, or at least unique in how wide-spread it is. I don't have people coming up to me telling me what I am doing wrong or how I should do something else when I am fixing computers, or working, or anything else. But I make even the slightest mention of a workout or eating plan and all of a sudden everyone I talk to is a trainer and feels I need their input or corrections to my plans because they read/heard/seen whatever.

I was just wondering what everyone thought the cause of this is, and lets not forget all the garbage floating around online or on tv.

OldGuy · 05-30-2007, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sign

But I make even the slightest mention of a workout or eating plan and all of a sudden everyone I talk to is a trainer and feels I need their input or corrections to my plans because they read/heard/seen whatever.

I think it's called conversation. Unless that is not what you are going for.

Sign · 05-30-2007, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldGuy

I think it's called conversation. Unless that is not what you are going for.

Guess I should have clarified that better. I may be talking to someone about a workout (a person that knows what they are talking about, or is interested) and someone else will hear the conversation and immediately interject. Usually with the helpful advise of eat low fat, do lots of cardio etc.

I am all for conversation and discussion, that is not what this is, this is a "No you are wrong this is how you need to do it or you aren't going to see any results?" I just don't see this type of behaviour with respect to any other topic/field which is why I thought it was odd and why I made this thread.

Frank.S · 05-30-2007, 02:52 PM

I dont think this only happens in fitness.

I goto a few forums that are based around writing code for gis's (global positioning systems more or less). In each and every thread there seems to be 10 people that give 10 different solutions. All will work, which ones best? who knows.

Its the same here. Two people can give 100% different and conflicting information. Likely, neither of these people is wrong. Because things vary so much from person to person.

Internet forums encourage this. Debate and discussion. If only one person ever gave input, it would be boring and you would not learn as much.

Aoife · 05-30-2007, 03:01 PM

It's not just this field, trust me.
And, I think in general, people want to either A) help other people; or B) be known as someone who knows stuff.
So, take something highly variable like individual results to various fitness strategies... add in people who have "tried everything and nothing worked" who have then managed to hit upon the solution for them... you've got a bit of an evangelist situation. Whether it's just conversational or overbearing has much more to do with personality than with probably anything else.

Maybe why you see it so common in the realm of fitness is because it's a major topic that many people have easy access to information about. Everyone has their opinion (usually based on what worked for them), just like in politics, but without the poo flinging.

Jimbo · 05-30-2007, 03:15 PM

Anyone who has an interest in fitness is USUALLY someone who has a personal investment in it. As in..I'm working my ass off to get fit..or lose weight..etc. So this makes the topic of fitness unique compared to some other topics.

If you, or anyone, says "A" is how to lose weight or gain mass, etc, but I am currently investing my time and energy into "B"..I not only have an opinion but suddenly I feel I need to debate this point cause I don't want to be wrong. I mean..I'm working hard doing "B" and you say I need to do "A" well that CAN'T be right.

So it's more than just ego. People are invested in the ideas surrounding their personal fitness. They are banking on it and they don't want to be wrong.

Besides that..it makes for good conversation.

achtungbaby · 05-30-2007, 06:57 PM

I think most people are genuinely trying to help. As said before, fitness is has a very high investment and if someone gets the slightest amount of success they will want to share that with anyone they can. You will certainly have the few who have a holier-than-thou attitude and are simply trying to educate you. I personally love to talk training with people but I would never tell anyone what to do.

LisaS · 05-30-2007, 07:18 PM

people also "me too" on subjects when they want to fit in - talk about a disease ... "my uncle had something like that" - talk about your bathroom remodel ... "the trick is using the proper trowel for the mortar" - talk about diet ..."atkins will kill you - the zone is the only way that works"