Here's What NOT To Listen To On Social Media!
A conversation came up last week that I knew I had to share with you.
I was chatting to my Mum in between our sets of Back Squats and she told me about some new, useful info that she had seen on social media.
A very nice lady on instagram, with lots of followers, was explaining in a post that during squats, you should never let your knees go over your toes.
This was my reaction...
(Apologies for the reference if you don't watch The Office)
My poor Mum was was bit taken aback by the reaction, but it opened up a great discussion....
How do we know what to listen to when there is SO MUCH information available?
The truth is....it's really hard to know!
There is lots of conflicting info online, and almost everyone that posts advice does so with an attitude of authority.
One rule that I feel I can confidently share with you though is this...
If someone online is giving general advice to a broad population of people that is anything along the lines of....
"NEVER do this exercise because you will get injured"
"This position or movement is always bad for everyone"
"ALWAYS do this exercise this way because it is the best way"
...be wary.
These kind of blanket statements do not show any appreciation or understanding of....
The large amount of variation in our normal, healthy anatomy...we all have different shaped bodies - including the shapes of our joints...so slight variations in position will suit different people.
The huge spectrum of abilities and goals found in a big group of people - a movement may be very much aligned with the activities or sport someone wants to do, but may look extreme to others.
The ability for the human body to be trained to do amazing things! What an acrobat is able to train their body to do in a lifetime may look dangerous to someone that has difficulty touching their toes. If I suddenly go for a 40km run tomorrow - I'll hurt myself - because I haven't trained for it. The run itself isn't the issue though, it's my lack of preparation.
So whenever viewing advice online please remember that not everything is applicable to everyone....even if the author says so!
If in doubt....find a health professional locally or online to have an extensive discussion with you about YOUR life, body and goals to help decide together what is the best advice for you.
PS - in case it wasn't clear.....knees moving forward over your toes in a squat is a healthy excellent thing for your knees to do...in fact it helps them get stronger!