You Can't See the Forest for the Trees

I recently read an article by Dave Tate on Elitefts.com about how simple the rules are for weight loss.  He basically states that people need to EAT LESS AND MOVE MORE.  He basically states that people get so caught up in the minutia of dieting, that they miss the big picture.  Essentially, they cannot see the forest because the trees are in the way.  They get so caught up in low fat, no fat, no carbs, don't eat after 6:03PM, ect.  that they miss the big picture.  Which is STOP EATING SO MUCH.

Reading this article made me think about the fact that people do the same thing with exercise.   They make things way too complicated.  Here's a sample dialogue I recently had:

Lifter:  Should I be looking straight or up when I deadlift?

Me:  Squat down to the bar, pull it in to your shins, arch your back, and stand the weight up.  Just do what feels natural.

L:  But, looking several feet in front of me at the floor feels natural and (insert guru's name here) said I shouldn't do that.

Me:  (Inserts face into palm) Like I said, do what feels natural.

I was trying to be polite with this guy.  What I really wanted to say was, "Just shut up and pick up the stupid bar!"  My point is, don't get so caught up in the little things that you miss the big picture.  I can't remember who said it, but one of my favorite quotes on the matter is "Stop majoring in the minor things"

Funny video from the article: