Raisins In Cookies. That’s Why I Have Trust Issues
My wife recently texted me saying “Heard the funniest thing on the radio and it made me think of you: ‘Raisins in cookies. That’s why I have trust issues.’ How could you use that raisin slogan for a blog?”
Well, I didn’t have to think long and the blog idea hit me! BAM! I started typing this about 15 minutes after I got her text. But first, some background information for you. Why was this funny to my wife? Because I HATE raisins. I mean, I really, really, really, beyond a doubt, do NOT like raisins. The whole concept makes zero sense to me. You take something as beautiful as a grape. A fruit that is plump, full of color, tasty…I mean the juices literally explode in your mouth! And what do you do to it? You take that precious delicacy and dry the living hell out of it until it’s shriveled, leathery, and looks like a rabbit turd. And then, to continue with our story here……someone, at some point in time, had the AUDACITY to put them inside a cookie! What, this is supposed to be a better alternative than chocolate chips? I mean, come on, for all practical purposes here, with all the great inventions we’ve seen, the one thing that has stood the test of time is the classic chocolate chip cookie! It can’t be beaten. Oh sure, we all enjoy the special stuff we make only at Christmas or a birthday party, but if we’re honest with ourselves, probably 19 times out of 20 we go for the chocolate chip cookie. Why? Because it’s simply the best. And to take the precious cookie, and place something dried, leathery, and that looks like a rabbit turd inside of it; well that should be criminal.
Now obviously I’m having some fun here, and if you are one of those people who like raisins so be it. If you are one of those people who prefer raisins in a cookie over chocolate chips then… well maybe it’s time to get the ‘old head examined’, but whatever? Anyway, how can I possibly tie any of this into a blog about strength training/fitness/health/etc.? Pretty simply actually because I work in an industry that most people don’t trust. Just like I don’t trust people who try to sell me raisins inside a cookie because “it’s healthier” (if I wanted healthy I wouldn’t go for a cookie, right?) the fitness industry as a whole has done lots of things over the years to lose people’s trust. It’s sad, but it’s oh so true. Unfortunately, it makes my job so much harder because I must convince people that I’m not a snake oil salesman. So, what are some of these lies? Let’s see:
· Cardio is the best way to lose weight
· 8-minute ab videos build a stronger core than squats and deadlifts
· The Biggest Loser TV show portrays the best methods for fat loss
· Supplements that have banned substances inside of them or false labeling (Stick with NSF Certified supplements ONLY)
· You should never squat to or below parallel
· Fat in your diet will make you fat
· Pulldowns are as effective in building the back as chin-ups
I could go on and on but I think you get the point here. The fitness/gym industry has done so many things to lose people’s trust; all in the name of lining their own pockets with cash. It makes me sick, I can’t lie. And it’s an ongoing battle for me to try and win over the trust, dispel the lies, and get people in better shape with the most effective and safe methods possible. I love my job, I truly do. I am blessed to do what I do for a career. And I believe whole heartedly in every workout I write or advice that I give out. Yet there will always be nay-sayers who would rather believe the star studded infomercial, or the photo shopped magazine model, than honest old me. And you need to believe me when I say that I will not lie to you. Hell, I’ll even come out and say that “Raisins in cookies is a really DUMB idea”.
Thanks for your time and as always….Stay Strong Everyone!
Mike Little Dynamic Personal Fitness