Broscience. What is it? Well, it’s the collective name for any diet or fitness advice that has no scientific truth and, believe me, I’ve heard some corkers in my time.
Running on an empty stomach burns more fat. Lifting heavy weights if you’re a woman can make you look like Arnold Schwarzenegger. If you stop weight training, the muscle turns to fat. Eating only syrup and water for five days is a great way to lose weight.
These are among the urban myths of the fitness world that I spend a large chunk of my time having to explain.
Unfortunately, broscience doesn’t just come from hardened gym goers and bodybuilders. I’ve heard plenty out of the mouths of so-called fitness professionals too.
Just take a look at all the adverts on late-night TV and you’ll see what I mean. “Try this gadget for just 10 minutes a day and in six weeks you’ll have a six pack you can play a tune on.” Or, “I went on this diet and lost six stone in just two weeks. Now I look like a glamour model and men are falling at my feet.” Sure love, whatever.
But so many people buy into this garbage. Why? Because everyone wants to look and feel fantastic with as little effort as possible and, when someone comes along and tells us it’s possible, we lap it up. Do you remember those gadgets that claimed you could look fantastic and toned by just strapping pads to your body and giving yourself mild electric shocks? Well, hand me that packet of Custard Creams and plug me in.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but if you want to look and feel fit and healthy, it takes continued hard work and dedication – not three installments of £39.99 with a money back guarantee.
So, how do you distinguish the truth from the broscience?
Well, for starters, don’t listen to anything anyone tells you that they overheard someone else saying. I’ve learned that any sentence that begins with “I’ve heard that ...” will end with another nugget of broscience.
I’m going to leave you with this little beauty. I’ve heard that there’s a slimming club near me whose team leader consistently reinforces the message that there’s no place for exercise in a healthy weight-loss programme. That has to be the best one I’ve heard so far.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Fitness Professionals Ltd or Virtual Magazine. Consult a qualified health or fitness professional before making changes to your diet or exercise.
