A few weeks back I borrowed a blog idea from Dean Somerset and shared my list of 8 Non-Fitness Books Every Fitness Pro Should Read. In the same spirit, my friend and former partner, Eric Cressey, wrote a fantastic post called The Most Important Three Words in Strength and Conditioning, which hit the mark and gave me inspiration. What are those three words? I was wrong.
Admitting you’re wrong takes courage, and for some reason the strength and conditioning world has a hard time doing it. I’m not blaming the whole field—that wouldn’t be fair—but there are plenty who are stubborn about admitting mistakes. If you spend ten minutes on social media you’ll see a lot of arguments: cardio versus HIIT, total calories versus IIFYM, strength coaches versus yoga instructors, powerlifters versus bodybuilders, and the vegans versus everyone. And no one admits when they’re wrong. Ever. It feels like an endless contest to be right.
That’s why Eric’s post felt so refreshing and necessary. It’s okay to admit you don’t know. The world isn’t ending. The trendier crowd is doing it too. Admitting you’re wrong is often essential for growth. Unless you’re Gandalf or Dan John, you can’t be right all the time. Saying “I don’t know” takes guts, and most people respect someone who can own it more than someone who pretends to have all the answers.
Which brings me to the other three words. I remember my first trip to London for a workshop, with a few days to explore. I loved London—my first trip to Europe, a history buff’s dream, filled with centuries-old sights. It was also a bit of a culture shock, from people greeting you with a smile to picking up the local slang. I recall plenty of moments where I wasn’t afraid to say, I don’t know. For example, years ago in Florida with our wedding plans, there were questions I didn’t have answers for: I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know—and yes, it was funny, but the point stands. There are many moments in everyday life where we don’t shy away from saying, I don’t know.
Yet in the strength and conditioning world those three words are almost taboo. Admitting you don’t know is seen as losing your man-card. That’s unfortunate. I’d like to think I know the answers to most gym questions, but if I’m stumped I’m not afraid to say, I don’t know. People tend to respect that more than a spun‑tastic shortcut or a bluff. And if I later learn the real answer, I’ll own it and share it—or point people to someone who does.
Rule of thumb: don’t pretend to be something you’re not. Accepting your limits as a fitness professional—and saying I don’t know—is just as valuable as knowing the technical details. Both are impressive, but the honest approach separates good trainers from great ones—and helps you avoid coming off as a jerk.
