Great Expectations Part 2 - The Power of Belief, FMS, and the Fitness Industry
In last week’s post, I covered the way that expectancy effects work, and how powerful they can be. Manipulating expectations can be a powerful way to impact the results of any intervention. In this post I analyze the ways in which these effects can impact our diet and exercise results, and why the fitness industry often intentionally manipulates these effects to its own benefit.
Great Expectations Part 1 - Placebo, Nocebo, and Expectancy Effects
Expectancy effects are positive or negative physiological effects which occur as a result of the expectations that we’ve established for a particular course of action, training routine, method of treatment, pill, etc. Placebo (positive) and nocebo (negative) effects are well documented, and vary in strength according to how strongly we believe a positive or negative effect will occur.
Core Training That Doesn't Suck
Core training, the way most people do it, gets very boring very quickly, because all you do is add reps and time. I’ll admit I was one of those people for many years. Knowing a few of these variations can make core training a lot quicker and more fun.
Why First Impressions Matter - In Relationships And In Fitness
First impressions initially seem like they shouldn’t be important, but the reality is that they’re a crucial make-it-or-break-it moment for interpersonal relationships. Likewise, when learning a new skill or developing a fitness habit, the initial steps are a crucial chance to set yourself up for success (or failure).
A Human Is Not A Lobster
A human being is not like a lobster, a wolf, or a cow - so why do we constantly use unfit animal metaphors to describe how humans ought to eat, think, or behave?