The Biggest Question No One is Asking

"Why?"

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It’s a question we can answer about almost every action in our life.

• Why did you set your alarm for 5:00 a.m.? I need to get ready for work
• Why are you filling that glass with water? I am thirsty and need to hydrate
• Why did you take the subway? It is too far to walk and cheaper than a cab

All of these questions are easily answered with a purpose and some reasoning behind them. Now, apply this same principle to rehabilitation, nutrition, or fitness and all of a sudden many either cannot answer or do not have any reasoning behind their action:

• Why are you eating 180 grams of protein? I saw a diet plan in a magazine and I want to gain muscle
• Why are you using the knee extension machine? I want to work out my legs and saw the picture on the side of the machine
• Why are you performing 3 sets of 10 with that exercise? I don’t know, I feel like that is a pretty standard workout routine

Those answers may be sufficient for some, but as professionals and individuals looking to better ourselves we need to be able to answer these questions with a greater purpose. The first individual should be able to support his protein use by his size, training frequency, and goals. Why is the second individual performing knee extensions rather than a squat? Is individual Number 3's training goal strength, endurance, or hypertrophy?

You may be saying to yourself that you are fine with your diet, you simply enjoy exercising, or that all of your clients seem to be happy and making progress. This is acceptable and this post may not be for you. This necessity to ask “why?” is for those looking to better themselves as an individual and a professional. Challenging yourself to be able to answer “why?” to each and every component of a program will ensure that you are treating (training, dieting, etc.) with a purpose.

• You saw a new exercise in a magazine or journal and want to try it? Great! - but be able to answer why this exercise fits your training goals, why it is better than another exercise you could perform, and how it is going to help you achieve your goals.
• You saw a preliminary research article on the use of a BCAA supplement with simple carbohydrates during exercise to optimize performance and recovery. Can you answer why consuming BCAA’s and highly branched cyclic dextrin would provide beneficial results during exercise?
• You only have 20 minutes to treat your patient and must choose your treatment methods wisely. Can you answer why each intervention will benefit your client and why you are choosing intervention A over intervention B?

Evidence based research, applying the best available research when making a decision, is a key component to being able to formulate your “why”. In addition, you should always consider the client’s values and your own clinical expertise when constructing your program. I am not here to tell you the best method, nor am I telling you that what you are already doing is insufficient. Instead I am challenging you to be able to answer “why?” and choose diets, exercises, and programs with a purpose.