Navigating Yoga and Fitness Misconceptions Through Science and Research
Trust is a funny thing.
We often trust information coming from folks that we like, we’ve known for a while, and that we think are cool. And that kinda makes sense, right?
But note – none of that has anything to do with whether they actually know stuff about the thing.
And guess what? Most of what we claim … we don’t know shit about. We simply repeat what we were told by a trusted source.
Anything coming to mind for you? I know I’ve talked about something physical therapy related that I “know to be true” and after I spit it out I go “but do I actually know that?” And those around me know I’m experienced and educated in that field, so why wouldn’t I know that?
So they believe me and maybe even repeat it …
But so many of these claims are simply me restating something that I was told by who I thought was a trusted source. Ya seeing the issue here?
I’ve had a beef with these misconceptions within the yoga world for a long while. There are more “rules” than I can count that:
Contradict themselves between poses and yoga lineages
Aren’t backed by research (or downright contradict the research)
Elicit fear and loss of body autonomy and empowerment
These “rules” and ideas continue to exist and spread because we trust our yoga teachers, our mentors, and the yoga influencers we follow on social. That is human nature! Someone can seem knowledgeable and probably believe they’re knowledgeable. They can have a lot of trainings and hours of courses under their belt. But in a community where the same shit is getting regurgitated without critical thinking and without sound research backing it up – we just keep perpetuating these false claims.
I also see so much fitness and nutrition related content on social media and in mainstream articles that I know not to be true (I’ve looked at the research!) and these claims are so harmful to our mental and emotional states when we internalize them, and sometimes they are legit harmful to us if we follow the advice being stated with such gusto and certainty.
I’ve got a lot of cynical thoughts as to why “creators” say these harmful, fear-inducing things (it’s got a lot to do with capitalism) … but for now I’ll focus on one very practical reason why folks say things they don’t really know about.
Because actually knowing stuff is difficult, if not nearly impossible!!
Looking for research or scholarly texts about a thing is difficult (FYI: this doesn’t just mean googling shit)
Finding research that is fully accessible is difficult
Interpreting research is difficult and an entire skill and practice unto itself
Reading research is just about the most dull and un-fun thing I can think of
There’s good news, though:
Understanding the facts and the research
is empowering as hell.
If you can get over the bullshit hump and into the actual science and the research and the facts, you will have a new sense of reality and more control and confidence in every aspect of your life.
I can guarantee it.
It will change the way you see things and offer a more critical thinking mindset. You’ll start questioning SO MUCH of what you’re exposed to each and every day. You won’t fall victim to misinformation.
And you’ll be a happier and healthier person because of it.
I want to provide you the research* in a way that’s more easily digestible - and dare I say - even enjoyable to consume. I want to put the power into YOUR hands so you can take control of your own health and wellbeing. The power was never mine or anyone else’s – it’s yours!
But to have that power, you must be equipped with knowledge.
My mission is to think critically about everything I say to my audience, my members, my subscribers, my movement community. I take what I claim online very seriously, and I want to know that I know the stuff I’m talking about.
So let’s learn stuff together.
If there’s anything you’d like to learn more about in the movement and health realm, let me know!
*If you’re wondering what makes me qualified to do this, then great work!! You’re already thinking more critically! I have a bachelor’s degree in Health Science and an associate’s degree in Physical Therapist Assisting – both of which have given me the tools to find and accurately interpret research around health and movement sciences.