The answer to most fitness and nutrition related questions is “It depends.”
As all trainers know, you get asked lots of questions. Questions about exercise, nutrition, the latest diets, how to fix every little twinge or injury a person feels, what your thoughts are on their workout program, etc.
Too many bad trainers see this as a green light to just start spouting off their opinions. However, good trainers do not. Instead, the most common answer given by good trainers tends to usually be the same answer.
So, what is usually the most correct answer to most fitness questions?
“It depends.”
“What is the best diet?”
It depends.
“What kinds of exercise program should I be doing?”
It depends.
“How should I perform my squats?”
It depends.
“How many times a week should I be working out?”
It depends.
“What should I name my dog?”
“It depends.”
Though “It depends” might seem like an answer that is used to blow people off, it is not. In actuality, it is often the best answer to most fitness and nutrition questions.
To find out the most correct answer, it will usually require that you then ask them several questions.
Why?
Because, in order to answer most questions, it is absolutely necessary to have context. The more context the better.
- “Should I do intermittent fasting?”
- “What is the best exercise for my ….”
- “How many days a week should I workout?”
- “Do I need to do more cardio or even do any aerobic training at all?”
- “What is the best form when doing squats?”
- “Is this type of food good for my goals?”
- “Should I do a low-carb diet?”
- “Should I increase my carbohydrates?”
- “How can I fix this shoulder pain?”
Etc, etc, etc…
Okay. So, which follow up questions should you ask when you are asked these questions?
Well,
“It depends.”
We will save that for another blog. But in the meantime, start thinking about the kinds of questions you think you would need to ask a client in order to answer each of the above questions.
Think of some other questions you get asked a lot. What kinds of things would you need to know in order to best answer those questions?
Thanks for reading. Best wishes your way!