The Fitness Zeitgeist

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  1. I could be referring anything here, you choose: Russia vs. NATO, Anti-vaxxers vs. Science, Republicans vs. Democrats, Jets vs. Sharks, Gryffindor vs. Slytherin, Autobots vs. Decepticons, GI Joe vs. Cobra.

  2. Preferably a shake, using a 2:1 (carb:protein) ratio, made with grass-fed protein powder fertilized with urine from a Centaur and mixed with water that Zeus bathed in

Comments for This Entry

  • Mark

    Ah, Tony thank you for all you do but ESPECIALLY for the video about the new Tribe album. OMG I laughed so hard I need a new pair of pants

    November 15, 2016 at 4:34 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Kyle J

    Well said sir. I think the term "dogmatic" is another to describe today's fitness culture. People subscribe to one school of thought or belief and denounce anything that goes against it. We'll see what other fitness zeitgeists pop up here in the next few years.

    November 15, 2016 at 5:35 pm | Reply to this comment

  • The Fissure King

    Hi Tony. Here are few things I've seen where opinions have shifted or whose popularity has risen and/or waned recently: "Functional Training" Squat depth Spot reduction - myth or not? Certain training implements (BOSUs, kinesio-tape, Bane masks) Cardio as the primary goto for fat loss

    November 15, 2016 at 8:29 pm | Reply to this comment

  • Dan DaVeiga

    I really like this article, although I feel like most of the points are the evolution of the zeitgeist within our community, the small circle of trainers and the more knowledgeable lay person. This small circle is leading the way--But we find ourselves in deep and surrounded by like-minded individuals that it can be hard to remember how the average person still thinks (part of the curse of knowledge). For that reason I think that #2 about "training for life" is the most important paradigm shift the everyday person needs. Right now most people still think that trying to get healthier takes away from their enjoyment of life. Yes, they are aware of the broader life benefits. Intellectually they may even be aware of the psychological benefits of exercise and a healthier lifestyle. However, they don't truly appreciate it-- they can still only see/use exercise as a means of burning calories. For most injury, illness, or aging is what finally leads to the pursuit of health for its own sake. Nearly everyone else only pursues health incidentally for the purpose of looking better naked-- And there is nothing wrong with that (for many it's a starting point that leads elsewhere). But some people end up willing to do whatever it takes to lose weight. No matter how obviously ridiculous the gimmick, or potentially dangerous the shortcut they'll put their health at stake to look better naked. The people coming to this site and reading this are generally unique. Our motivations are usually stronger than just looking better naked; for us exercise becomes much more than burning calories. That's why I think the most essential shift in thinking might be towards "training for life". The most powerful motivation for fitness and health comes from experiencing first hand the transformative effect it has on your whole life. And that's also why my site's focus is on understanding the psychological benefits of health and seeing fitness as a tool for maximizing life and a healthy lifestyle as an end in itself. Keep thinking ahead of the pack-- you're pulling us all along with you!

    November 23, 2016 at 10:55 am | Reply to this comment

  • Shane Mclean

    Crossfit and Skeletor in the same post. Outstanding. Love the Crossfit superset :) What comes to my mind is the no pain no gain/go hard or go home philosophy. You be amazed how many people I come across who still believe this to be the case. Great post Tony.

    November 24, 2016 at 2:15 pm | Reply to this comment

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