If you’ve ever shared something about your body or your training and been met with the raised eyebrow of a fitness professional who clearly doesn’t believe you… yeah, I’ve been there too.
And not because my experiences aren’t valuable.
It’s because people like me — Indigenous, in surgical menopause, still chasing performance goals — aren’t the people they’ve studied.
Which means, in their eyes, I’m “anecdotal.”
What that really means is, the system hasn’t bothered to study me.
And here’s the kicker: instead of treating my insight as the missing data they could learn from, a lot of coaches, PhDs, and health pros just… dismiss it. As if one degree, one research paper, or one certification taught them literally everything worth knowing about human bodies.
But let’s imagine something different for a second.
Let’s picture a perfect world where health and fitness pros actually led with curiosity and empathy.
1. They’d start with curiosity, not correction
Instead of “Well, there’s no research on that…” they’d say:
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“Tell me more about what you’ve noticed.”
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“When did you first see that pattern?”
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“What’s been working for you lately?”
Because here’s the thing — you live in your body 24/7. You’ve collected more data points on yourself than any lab could dream of.
2. They’d own the gaps in the science
Sports science loves a very specific subject pool: young, white, cis men. Sometimes they’ll sprinkle in a few women in their 50s — but Indigenous athletes in surgical menopause? Yeah, that’s not in the data set.
A perfect-world pro would look you in the eye and say:
“There’s not much research on athletes with your background, so let’s use what’s out there and your lived experience to find what works.”
That’s not weakness. That’s respect.
3. They’d treat lived experience like real data
Your notes about how your recovery changes in hot weather?
Your strength gains showing up slower but holding longer post-surgery?
That’s data.
In the perfect world, they’d track it right alongside your mileage, heart rate, or training logs.
4. They’d use research as a tool, not a weapon
You wouldn’t get hit with, “This study says you’re wrong.”
Instead, you’d hear:
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“Here’s what this study found in the general population. How does it compare to what you’ve experienced?”
Science is meant to inform the conversation, not shut it down.
5. They’d build a plan you actually have a say in
No cookie-cutter “just follow this” plan.
They’d walk you through the “why,” give you options, and leave space for your input. Your cultural background, health history, and preferences wouldn’t be “barriers” — they’d be building blocks.
6. They’d keep adjusting instead of blaming you
When something doesn’t work, they’d tweak it, not point fingers.
The perfect-world pro knows the first draft is just that — a draft.
7. They’d give credit where it’s due
If they learned something new from you, they’d acknowledge it. Your insight wouldn’t disappear into their toolkit without a mention.
Reality vs. Perfect World: How Fitness Pros Show Up
| Reality (What We Usually Get) | Perfect World (What We Should Get) |
|---|---|
| “There’s no research on that, so it’s probably not true.” | “There’s not much research yet, so let’s use what we know and your lived experience.” |
| Starts the conversation with corrections or dismissals. | Starts with curiosity: “Tell me more. When did you first notice this?” |
| Assumes the science they learned applies to everyone exactly the same way. | Acknowledges research gaps and the limits of their own knowledge. |
| Treats your insights as “just anecdotal.” | Logs your lived experience as real, valuable data to work with. |
| Uses research to shut down your perspective. | Uses research as a tool to expand the conversation. |
| Hands you a rigid, one-size-fits-all plan. | Builds a flexible plan together, with your consent and input. |
| Blames you when something doesn’t work. | Adjusts the plan and tests new approaches without blame. |
| Learns from you, but never credits you. | Gives you credit when your insight shapes their approach. |
The gap between “the research” and “real life” is widest for the people science hasn’t bothered to study. Which is why lived experience isn’t a threat to expertise — it’s the thing that expands it.
Until the fitness industry catches up, I’m going to keep working in that messy middle with athletes who’ve been told they’re “just anecdotal.”
Because you’re not “just” anything.
You’re the data they never collected.
You’re the insight they didn’t know they needed.
And you deserve a coach who gets that.
If you’re ready for training that blends evidence, curiosity, and actual listening, I’ve got space for you. Work with me here.