Living in the Information Age as we are now, there is an almost infinite amount of data on the Internet. Be it ideas, opinions or the just plain weird, you can probably find an answer for almost any question you can conjure up.

In the world of sport, there are countless questions, myths and dubious quick fixes strewn across Cyberspace enticing aspiring sportsmen and women to get bigger, better and train harder. This is particularly relevant with online media such as Twitter, Facebook and magazine websites. News, product reviews and promotions are consistently being Tweeted, Retweeted, posted, shared as you navigate past the litter of the advertising down the side of your newsfeed. However, is it possible to verify the quality of information posted on the Internet? How true or accurate is the information you are reading?

On various levels of emotional, archetypal and aesthetic appeal, we are prone to blindly following cool, trendy and appealing ideas. Marketing and advertising gurus have us wrapped around their slick, corporate little fingers and we keep going back for more. Currently in South Africa, there are dozens of Twitter feeds, bloggers and so-called “experts” espousing the newest products, in-vogue techniques, quick-fix training programs and tales of “If I did it, so can you!”

Take a moment to reflect on what you know about training. Now, have a second more critical review of how much is based on scientific and factual evidence. Realistically, it is impossible to cite each and every source of all the knowledge you hold about your specific sport. Over years or even decades, you may have accrued snippets of information, dabbled with training or coaching philosophies and learned a few lessons in the ‘school of life’ along the way. Often, we are reluctant to critique what we know or acknowledge what we don’t know; ignorance is bliss!

Similarly, we cannot always trust what we hear by word of mouth or what we might have been subjected to as younger athletes. Although coaches and parents are often the driving force behind training programs, they too need to reflect on and review the facts and philosophies at the heart of their efforts. Unsubstantiated ideas and popular trends are often enticing to us as we look to gain the edge over our rivals or get that essential boost in performance for the sake of confidence.

Thankfully, South Africa has a burgeoning sector of quite brilliant scientists, researchers and doctors that freely give precious time, effort and information to dispel myths and right the wrongs of quick-fix and pop-culture training, performance and coaching methods. Although they too are a little controversial at times (e.g. Prof Tim Noakes and the high fat Paleo-Diet), the substance of the information to emerge from their research is far more trustworthy than quick-result gym routines between the covers of glossy magazines.

As consumers of training information and ideas, it is essential for past, present and future sportsmen and women to be cautious of the information and ideas they take in. Much like how healthy food and wholesome calories will result in a better athletic performance, so too does good information. Winning teams and stand-out performances often have the backing of good information and well researched practices that are then diligently executed.

Be critical and conscientious of the ‘facts’ you rely on. Use well-qualified expert and professional opinions rather than quick-fix internet ideas to inform your training, coaching and performances. High quality training rather than high-fashion ideas will directly translate into a better performance.