Can you learn everything you need to know about the body from free videos on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram?
As a YouTube Creator, I get this question a lot. There’s so much free content out there, that it makes sense to think that everything there is to know is already available on the internet.
I love learning – and do spend a lot of time reading articles, watching videos and diving into research – BUT this is after 12 years of study into exercise, biomechanics, and movement.
Does everyone need 12 years of exercise biology studies to be able to help themselves? Absolutely not, but I don’t think it’s as simple as watching 1-minute clips online.
My studies at UC Davis included general education such as chemistry, calculus for biosciences, psychology, organic chemistry, physiology, and physics. There were the classes specific to my major, like anatomy, genes and gene expression, growth and development, biomolecules and metabolism, cell function, clinical exercise physiology, and numerous labs and discussion groups.
Is it impossible to learn about exercise without a degree in exercise biology? Of course not, but it also provided me with the background of reading, writing, and analyzing research, creative problem solving, and the difference between an IPA and a lager (there was an intro to beer science in there too LOL).
My studies gave me a solid foundation to be able to sift through the volumes of information online – to tell the difference between someone who is knowledgeable about their craft and who is just repeating what someone else told them (with no understanding of the underlying WHY).
Since my undergraduate degree, I’ve studied more human anatomy, biomechanics, coaching, and a wide variety of classes from goat yoga, to CrossFit and metabolic conditioning.
But no matter how much I learn and study, I always ask myself, “is this right for my body?”
All the free videos, books, and trainings in the world will not help unless you can answer that question for yourself. You don’t need to be an anatomy or exercise expert – but it is in your best interest to become the expert of you.
We only get one body in this lifetime – getting to know it and how it works will only benefit you in the long run and allow you to answer that same question for yourself.
The internet is great – and it is a fantastic tool for connecting us (like via email and blogs!) but the real challenge isn’t figuring out how to stretch your hamstrings or build upper body strength for planks.
The real challenge is getting over the negative self-talk that is constantly running through your mind and telling you that you’re doing it wrong. Or that you’re going to get hurt. Or that things will never get better and you might as well give up and sit on the couch.
For that, you need a coach.
If you’re ready to unpack and work through getting stronger, more flexible and out of your own way – let’s chat. Check out one of the 3 ways we can connect below and let’s get started.
PS Ready to get stronger with every movement you do? Here are 3 ways I can help you now:
- Join the AE Wellness Body Nerds and connect with other busy women on a quest to get stronger and wake up every day without pain.
- Join me for my next online class, Movement Managed and learn how to get stronger and more flexible without hurting yourself in the process.
- Book a free Movement Magic session and get a personalized plan for getting stronger, more flexible and pain-free. Want to trust your body and it’s ability to move without creating an injury? Do you need accountability so that you don’t start and stop something…again? Let’s talk. Tell me a bit about what’s going on and schedule your call here.
