When it comes to training, we often hear the word “pseudoscience” thrown around as if it's something dangerous or wrong. We’ve all been there—rolling our eyes at the latest fitness fad or alternative remedy that seems too good to be true. But here’s the thing: not everything that falls outside traditional scientific circles is pseudoscience, and the strong aversion many have toward it could be keeping you from unlocking your full potential as an athlete.
Let’s break this down.
What Is Pseudoscience, Really?
Pseudoscience is essentially something that claims to be scientific but doesn’t hold up to rigorous testing, research, or consistent evidence. Think astrology, some forms of alternative medicine, or unproven miracle products. It can seem pretty obvious when something falls into this category. However, there’s a gray area here that often gets overlooked. Just because something isn't “proven” through formal scientific methods doesn't automatically make it harmful or useless.
Take, for example, mental strategies like visualization or certain breathing techniques. These may not always have a vast body of research to back them up, but that doesn’t mean they don’t work for a lot of athletes. In fact, they often can be just as powerful—if not more so—than any physical training regimen.
Why Does It Matter in Training?
I get it. When you're training hard, you want results. And the frustration of chasing down the “next big thing” can lead to a quick dismissal of anything that doesn't come with a guaranteed scientific endorsement. The issue is that most of us don’t really understand the nature of pseudoscience, and because of that, we can be quick to reject practices that are still being studied or tested.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if something isn’t “proven” by science, it must be worthless. But this mindset can be limiting—especially when it comes to running, strength training, or any sport that requires mental focus and personal growth. Not every tool you use in training has to be based on cold, hard data to have value. Your body and mind work uniquely, and sometimes what works for you may not be what works for someone else. That’s the beauty of personalized training and being open to experimenting with what resonates for you.
How Your Hatred of Pseudoscience Might Be Holding You Back
Many athletes, particularly those with a science-driven approach, may reject methods they see as pseudoscience, thinking it’s all just hype. But here’s where things can get tricky: if you’re unwilling to explore and test out new ideas—especially those that don’t come with a long list of peer-reviewed studies—you might be missing out on strategies that could help you perform at your best.
You don’t need to abandon your science-based training altogether. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to broaden your toolkit. Your mental game, focus, and recovery strategies are just as important as your physical training. It’s worth exploring different methods and seeing what might work for you, even if it hasn’t been “proven” yet.
Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to be open-minded and ready to test different techniques. This is where working with a coach like me can help. I combine the best evidence-based practices with open-mindedness, letting you experiment with various techniques to find what helps you thrive.
Why Work With Me?
If you're tired of feeling stuck or overwhelmed by all the “rules” in training, I’m here to guide you through the process with an approach that balances both science and experimentation. We’ll work together to tailor a training plan that considers your body, mind, and goals in a way that feels good for you. We’ll take a critical look at what works for you, without automatically dismissing things that aren’t fully backed by research yet.
Through personalized coaching, I’ll help you explore and test strategies in your training, from mental tools to physical routines, so you can build a plan that works and brings you real results. You don’t have to reject alternative methods just because they haven’t been widely studied—let’s figure out what works for you and make it a part of your success.
Ready to stop holding yourself back and open up to new possibilities in your training? Reach out to me, and let’s start this journey together. You might just discover something that pushes your performance to the next level.