People Who Go To Gyms Don’t Know Much About Strength Training (and a Potential Reason Why)

Over the last decade, we’ve witnessed a surge in scientific research supporting the myriad health and performance benefits of strength training.  Additionally (and just as important), a significant number of randomized control trials, as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses, have been published about how to strength train to optimize outcomes.  However, new research indicates that this increase in credible scientific research has not been translated into practice. 

A team of Austrian researchers surveyed gym-goers and presented 14 statements about resistance training.  Each statement was supported by a preponderance of scientific research (stated otherwise, each statement was based on the current science).  The 14 statements were stated as either fact or as myth, and the gym goers (men and women with a mean age of 30), all who participated in strength training on a regular basis, had to identify the statement as a fact or a myth.  

The researchers concluded, “The ability of participants to separate myths from truths was close to chance.”  It was a flip of the coin.   

Take home message # 1: People who engage in strength training really don’t know much about strength training. 

But why not?  What’s the culprit? 

The team of Austrian researchers pose a root cause: People who work in the field of exercise and fitness don’t know much about exercise.  The researchers state, “Health professionals such as physical therapists, teachers, and coaches demonstrate a lack of awareness around evidence-based exercise and fitness."

Their conclusion? Of course, gym goers don’t know much about exercise; the very people who teach us about exercise don’t know much about exercise.   

The authors cite a recent review article, stating, “It is estimated that only 14% of the leading scientific evidence for prevention and treatment in sports science and medicine become standard practice after an average of 17 years.”   

Final take home message: We have more credible scientific research about the benefits of exercise (and how to do it well) than ever before, yet this scientific research has failed to penetrate the practice of coaches, fitness professionals, or exercisers.  

Final Note: This is the Core Purpose of Discover Strength… to link the scientific research to how people actually work out.