Well… It depends.
Nuance in the Realm of Health and Fitness
You’ve likely asked a friend or turned to the internet with a health or fitness-related question, expecting a quick and straightforward answer.
“What’s the best way to lose weight?”
“How many sets and reps should I do?”
“Are carbs bad for you?”
In many cases, you’ll receive an answer that sounds definitive—sometimes delivered with authority, other times as a sweeping generalization. But here’s the thing: without more information, these responses often lack the nuance necessary to truly guide you.
The ability to give an accurate response hinges on the details. The right answer depends on the specifics of your situation, goals, and circumstances.
Context is Key
Let’s take a common question:
“What’s the best workout for arms?”
The immediate response might be something like, “Do bicep curls and tricep dips.” And sure, those exercises work the muscles, but does this answer fully address the real question? Not quite.
It depends on why you’re training your arms. Are you trying to grow bigger biceps and triceps for aesthetic reasons? Build strength? If so, strength for what purpose? Rock climbing? Grappling? Being able to lift your toddler without strain?
Each of these goals leads to a different approach.
A Rock Climber may benefit more from exercises that emphasize grip strength and compound pulling motions, while a parent might prioritize functional movements that mirror everyday tasks. On the other hand, someone focused on aesthetics might opt for higher-volume, isolated exercises.
The details matter. They don’t just change the plan—they improve its efficiency. With clarity about your goals, you can avoid spinning your wheels on exercises or programs that don’t align with your desired outcome.
Why Over-Simplified Advice Fails
In health and fitness, oversimplified advice can lead to frustration.
Here’s why:
Every Body is Different: A program that worked wonders for your friend might not suit your needs due to differences in age, training history, or even genetics.
Goals Vary: Whether you’re aiming for weight loss, improved performance, or mental clarity, the strategies differ drastically.
Context Changes Everything: Time constraints, access to equipment, injury history, and lifestyle factors all shape the “best” approach for you.
When advice fails to account for these factors, it often leads to a mismatch between expectation and results. That’s where frustration sets in—and why it’s so important to dig deeper.
A Call for Individualization
Cookie-cutter solutions often fail to deliver because they’re not tailored to your unique needs.
Whether you’re navigating your first gym membership, training for a sport, or juggling workouts with a busy family life, your fitness journey deserves a personalized approach.
Next time you’re tempted to ask, “What’s the best…?” consider instead, “What’s the best for me?”
Because in health and fitness, the real answer to most questions is, well... it depends.