There are many parallels between how you train and how you live your life.
Most of the people I respect as mentors have gone “against the grain” of popular opinion in both of those areas.
They don’t worry about being cool or accepted or liked, they just blaze their own path or “follow their gut instincts” like Zach Even-Esh always says.
I learned very early in life that trying to be cool, accepted, or liked were dead-end streets.
That was way before the Internet existed (yes, there was life before social media, believe it or not). Just nowadays it’s easier for people to be coerced to follow what others think, often without ever thinking a matter through on their own. Just have the same opinion as those who shout the loudest or who can use the most profanity and you become part of the popular culture. How dare anyone defy popular culture and have your own opinions!
I don’t care if the subject is world view, lifestyle, nutrition, religion, philosophy, or anything else; don’t blindly follow the crowd! Do your own research, think things through, don’t make snap decisions.
To be healthy and fit throughout your life, this is vital. You are unique, so set up your training in a way that helps you achieve your goals. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing! Find what works best for you and work at it consistently.
While the basics don’t change, the applications of the basics can be quite varied.
If you are training to compete then use what enhances your capabilities in that sport.
If you are training for general fitness (which I do), then train that way.
Quit comparing yourself to everyone else, that is a huge waste of time.
The Cave 