The middle point is where the real truth lies

Each and every day we are bombarded with messages from “experts”, marketers and advertisers and those that have supposedly found the ultimate solution to a major problem that is facing mankind.

Some of the purported remedies are pretty easy to implement, others take on a more challenging form, but at the end of the day, we tend to want to make a change in an area of our life, so often times, we buy in.

At the moment there are a few examples of this taking place  in the world of health and exercise -
 
1.    The minimalist versus the shod  approach to running.
2.    The high fat – high protein- reduced carbohydrate diet versus the traditional western diet.
3.    Physiological testing or physiological assessments – productive use of time, or a not?

At face value, both sides of the coin have valid points and counter-points, and depending on how much time has spent reading and researching the subject, a conclusion is drawn.

Being an educated athlete / consumer is always a good thing, however, we must always be aware of who is providing us with our information (manufacturer), how that information was obtained (manufacturer funded research), and ultimately, what the provider of the information might attain(profit).

Let’s look at the minimalist approach to running versus the shod approach to running.

I am not going to rehash the numerous the pros and cons related to this particular subject - I know we have all read any number of articles from both sides of the debate.

Running shoes prevent injury says the running shoe injury – so days the minimalist industry. Running shoes negatively impact a runners’ biomechanics – minimalist shoes provide no necessary support for the runner etc.
So whom do we believe? Both parties make valid points - very confusing indeed.

Keep in mind, it is important to assess where the information is coming from: for example the manufacturer of a running shoe or a minimalist running coach?
Does either party have anything to gain by convincing you to purchase their product? Of course they do – their business relies on you buying into their approach to running.

So, by now we should be seeing the need for an impartial party. One that is able to provide us with objective insights and feedback on both sides – a moderator if you like.

Who might this moderator be?

Moderators can take many forms. In our field, we should be looking to our sports medicine professionals, and more specifically – those who are actively involved in the sports field both professionally and personally, on a regular basis.

1.    The debate on running footwear: A Physiotherapsit who is also a runner, is a great resource for insights and sound guidance on how to decide on what the right “fit” is for you according to your bodies functional anatomy.

2.    How about the growing nutritional debate invoked by Dr. Tim Noakes? A dietitian who understands your nutritional needs – for health, daily life and physical activity, and who can understand new and developing areas of nutrition, is ideal.

3.    How about maximizing your athletic performance? A certified Exercise Physiologist can guide you through the pros and cons of testing and the difference between testing and assessing.

The take home message is this: arm yourself with knowledge – looking at the subject from both perspectives. Then make use of those in the field who have the knowledge, experience and impartiality to recommend options that will be best for you.

What you will soon learn is that the “answer” or “solution” is usually a blend – a little bit from the left and a little bit from the right.

And as with so many things in life, we find that the middle point is where the real truth lies.