Why I can’t help you in the comments, on YouTube, in the messages on IG and MORE

Brian! Please tell me if this is a good program for me. I have back pain. 

Brian, how long should I wait before I get back under the bar? 

Brian, how deep should I squat? 

Brian, I have had back pain for ten years; I’m thinking about giving up. Will the McGill method help me? 

Let’s be honest. How can I tangibly help someone through a message or comment box in one of the above situations? You can’t. I’m not saying that some questions can’t be addressed in the comments. But a program can’t be placed, a prognosis made, nor should a pathway be created exchanging messages on social media. I would make the argument that it’s liable and dangerous. You see, I run into this situation often, and as much as I’d love to help someone with some general guidance, what I do now is far too specific. I can’t nor will I risk giving someone superficial-crappy advice because someone I’ve never met might be upset with me and think I’m just out for money.

There are a lot of benefits to the current technology, but with everything good, there is a shadow side to it. In these three concise and to-the-point videos (the second video is two parts), I give context on some common themes I run into on YouTube, IG, and social media. I want to say that there is nothing wrong with social media when used correctly. But, when consuming content, one must remember that you have to have context for specificity. Putting together a hodge-podge of a program from your favorite social personalities isn’t likely to help you but hurt you. I read emails, comments, messages, etc., daily from people who have used different coaching and talking points from creators while not making the progress they thought they should. Some get seriously injured. Worse, I see people who blindly follow the wrong people. Who falls for markers, not specialists? The topic of marketer vs true expert is a topic that should be covered at length, so stay tuned.

Further, going along with videos #2 & #3, I cannot fix, consult, or coach you on YouTube, in the DMs, or within the comments. I would be doing you a disservice just guessing what you’re asking. I don’t have time to do this; even if I did, it’s inefficient, nor would I recommend it. The videos showcase what we are working on, help you see from a fly-on-the-wall perspective, and see us in action. They might give you an idea or two or help you sharpen up your form, not to help you adjust your program and get all of your questions answered.

I would love to be able to help others this way, but it’s just not reality. I need to be able to see the person, preferably in person; virtually works for many of my clients, who benefit immensely. I also need to be able to talk to the person, watch them move, and ask them questions; lots of questions. If you want to work with me, I will do my best to help you, but I can’t make any promises. All I can give you is my best effort, advice, and wisdom extracted through experience.

I’ve had many conversations with injured people over the last 5-10 years. One of their biggest regrets is that they didn’t hire a coach or the wrong coach who never deloaded, and they did too much. In 10/20/Life, I discuss why the deload is essential for all levels of lifter. 

Thank you for stopping by!