Nuance

To me, the most frustrating answer to any question is: “It depends.”  However, in the field of exercise (and I assume so many other fields), “it depends” is the answer that demonstrates real credibility.  Real experts are cautious about stating absolutes.  Real experts are hesitant to become overly convicted about an idea. 

To me, real expertise deals in nuance. 

On most exercise topics, there are layers of nuance that need to be unpacked. 

The problem is, nuance doesn’t sell.

Nuance doesn’t drive confidence.

Nuance is really tough to market.

But nuance, a willingness to question our own thinking, to volunteer the reasons where our argument might be wrong, to concede that there is a lack of evidence around a particular detail, this is the sign of expertise. 

Extreme confidence is a red flag. 

Being circumspect in our statements is an indicator of expertise. 

We should always be wary of experts unwilling to question or be questioned, especially in fitness where the science is ever-evolving (and where well-intended fitness gurus often fail to lean into the nuance). Having a truly science-based approach (a Core Value of Discover Strength) requires humility, openness to being wrong, and the willingness to exist in the nuance.

Obi-Wan Kenobi was right, "Only a Sith deals in absolutes."