Never Speak in Absolutes — Why Fitness Coaches Should Take Studies With a Pinch of Salt

If you want to lose trust fast as a coach, just speak in absolutes. “Always.” “Never.” “This is the only way.” But fitness doesn’t work like that. It’s not gospel — it’s guidance.

What was once considered optimal or effective, even just a few years ago, has changed — and will continue to change. Science evolves—context matters.

1. You Can Find a Study to Back Almost Anything

We’ve all seen the Instagram post backed by a flashy study. But here’s the issue:
If you dig hard enough, you can find a study to support nearly any idea.

Does that mean it’s true? Not always.

Example: A study says seed oils are toxic, but it was done on rats, using doses you'd never get from food. Other studies on humans in realistic doses might show the opposite. Context changes everything. Think of studies like tools in a toolbox.

A hammer’s great for nails — useless for screws. The same applies to research: if the tool doesn’t match the job, it’s not useful.

Coaches should know which tool fits the client, not just wave the study around because it looks cool.

2. Common Red Flags in “Scientific” Claims

Not all studies are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

• Animal studies applied to humans
  

• Tiny or unrepresentative sample sizes
  

• Lack of controlled variables (calories, training status, sleep, etc.)
  

• Massive variation between subjects, but conclusions drawn as if it's one-size-fits-all
  

• Short duration or unrealistic dosages
  

Many fear-based claims ("XYZ is bad for you") fall apart once you examine the study design.

And even when a study does have value, who’s to say a specific context or rare combination of variables might not make it relevant for one individual? Maybe it will apply — but that doesn't mean it applies to everyone.

3. Beware the Meta-Misuse

People throw around “meta-analysis” like it’s untouchable, but even metas can be misleading if:

• The studies included were of low quality.
  

• Populations were wildly different.
  

• There’s no real-world relevance (e.g., sedentary elderly vs. athletic 20-somethings)
  

Meta doesn’t mean magic — context still rules.

4. Most People Don’t Read Past the Title

In the age of Instagram reels and TikTok, most people:

• See the headline.
  

• Assume it’s 100% true.
  

• Don’t check how the study was done or what its limitations were.
  

Then, five years later, a new study emerges that contradicts it, but the damage is already done.

5. Take It All With a Pinch of Salt

As coaches, we’re here to educate, not spread fear or fake certainty.

I’m no scientist, but I:

• Know what red flags to look for.
  

• Ask better questions.
  

• Stay in conversation with actual experts.
  

• Stay open to changing my mind.
  

There are definitely things we can be confident about. But there’s always the chance that new evidence, new context, or one unique individual proves the exception to the rule.

The best coaches aren’t married to one method — they adapt as evidence and experience evolve.

Context Over Certainty

Fitness is never black-and-white. It’s shades of grey, built on individuals, context, and nuance. If a coach says, “This always works,” that’s your cue to dig deeper.

If you’re tired of black-and-white advice and want coaching grounded in real-world context, let’s chat. Book a call with me or one of our coaches at www.masterathletic.com and see what a personalized, evidence-aware approach looks like.

Nat Galloway

Coach, Master Athletic Performance