I see this play out all the time at the gym. Usually, some genetically superior moron will show up to teach us all how it should be done…the wrong way. He will grab a bar with enough weight on it to make us mere mortals shriek, then begin to heave it around like chewing gum on his tongue.

Mr. Goodbody will make all the appropriate noises and gestures to give you the show you didn’t pay for.

He breaks all the rules of biomechanics in one set. How he doesn’t end up getting a ride home in the back off an ambulance, is anyone’s guess.

Pan across the gymnasium floor and you see the neophyte who is taking it all in. He is thinking what we’re all thinking….that’s how you do it. He’s the guy the ambulance driver is waiting for. Being in a big box gym is like being on the prison yard. You do more watching than talking.

Sure enough, you’ll see the guy with the stringy arms and caved-in chest attempting the very same foolhardy moves. With disastrous results. Mr. Gifted walks away unscathed, while our victim gets hurt and avoids the gym in the future.

Fact: Some people have incredible bodies in spite of themselves.

I’ve said all that to say this: I have never seen an industry, like fitness, be so full of dangerous misinformation. Lifelong bodybuilders, trainers, enthusiasts, diet gurus and sports heroes can dispense with misguided information at will and unchecked. The FDA expects them to police themselves. Dr. Oz fans, please don’t.

40 years on, we’re still talking about the same issues. The bad information will always come full circle. I’ve been doing this for 50 years. My one distinct qualifier, I’m willing to bet, is I’ve made more mistakes than you. Any takers? Didn’t think so. 🙂

Urban legend and exercise best practices don’t mix, and dispelling myths is what I will be addressing in my biggest adventure, Enlightened Rogue Fitness.

Don’t throw your weight around, it’s in bad form.