I'll give an example. I routinely get into it (just respectful debates) with guys named Nick Tumminello and Brad Schoenfeld. Nick is very well read, Brad is highly educated (PHd) both write for respected sites and both have written books. The problem is they are RESEARCHERS and more online "gurus" than anything else. These are guys (and there are a million more) who do more writing than actual "in the trenches" training. They are former trainers that really trained people for a few years, probably didn't like and decided to write about it instead.
On Brads blog in big bold print "No body knows more about muscle building than Brad Schoenfeld". Nick, to the best of my knowledge has never competed but told me his mom is a former bodybuilder, which I guess makes him an expert. Both write for T-nation and Bodybuilding.com
Both, will argue to the death that science trumps practical application but of course doesn't discount the practical application. To the best of my knowledge, neither has trained any high level athletes or high level physique or bodybuilders for any significant amount of time. Ok, both are "experts" in "building muscle" yet they look like the average "fit" person off the street.
I often say (when it comes to strength and conditioning) that knowledge always trumps what the coach may look like. But when it comes to self - professing about being an expert in building muscle, training and nutrition, you better damn well at least look like it to back it up...
So again, have you competed (more than once) and did you win or place high and who have you trained and at what level?
Good points. Physical things like bodybuilding and sports, that's when you're allowed to have a little more bias against people with just book smarts. Yes, I'm sure an endocrinologist will know vast amounts about hormones and endocrinology, but I'd turn to the local meathead for steroid advice. They've got the hands on training which is invaluable.
The thing I like here is that a lot of people, like yourself, have actually pulled their socks up, dieted the fuck down and competed. Even if it's just a local comp or amateur one, you've done it. I don't even care if anyone's placed well, the experience can really shape your perception and offer esoteric insights that can't be directly described or relayed to another person. You simply have to do it. Sort of like juicing. People try planning so hard for their first cycle, but that first cycle is a write off anyway. Doesn't mean shit outside of the experience because that person won't keep the gains in most cases anyway. But that experience is so important.
I haven't competed myself, but I've dieted down to ridiculous conditioning in anticipation of competing. I don't like to fuck up, ever. And my biggest fear would be to register for a comp, start dieting and show up on the day of the show out of shape. I have a crushing fear of things like that, so instead I've dieted down 3-4 times to low single digit bf (a bone dry 6% realistically, guys that say they hit 3-4% are fucking lying), but then I just realize which parts are lagging and go back to the drawing board. But even just dieting down that rigidly has totally changed my perception.
It's amazing how quickly you can throw your training, dieting and "supplementation" regimen right out the window when you have experiences like that. That's why I try spending lots of time pounding the keyboard furiously to help people. When you have honest, first hand experience it's something you want to share, especially when you see such idiotic advices. Bodybuilding is a "sport" where having a good mentor means everything. You need to be dedicated, observant and meticulous as well, but a trusted individual to steer you in the right direction is so important. We run into conflicts so often and having an honest set of eyes can mean a world of difference. I know that I can't trust myself - too indecisive. If/when I decide to buckle down and register for my first show, I will enlist the help of a very trusted friend because once I'm balls deep into the diet I can no longer trust myself. Things get too hairy if you've ever dieted down that far and that's why a "trainer" is actually really important. Someone can give you a cookie cutter diet, cycle and training routine but it's virtually worthless without consultation through someone else.
Annnd that's enough novels for me today lol... hope that people can find some tidbits of knowledge in all my spastic keyboard tantrums. Lots of awesome insights in this thread, as usual. These threads are always awesome even when there's bickering, because lots of important shit gets hashed out and discussed. I swear, if it weren't for sites like this one I would still look like the scrawniest piece of shit and looking for the next gimmick to get me bigger musckles.
