Two definitions for you to think about real quick.

CORRELATION –

1. A mutual relationship or connection between two or more things.
2. Interdependence of variable quantities.

CAUSATION –

1. The action of causing something.
2. The relationship between cause and effect; causality.

In “scientific studies” unfortunately the two sometimes get confused.  Think about doing a pushup.  When you do a pushup you are using mainly the muscles in the front of your chest and shoulders.  Those muscles are responsible for pushing and when overworked compared to our “pulling” muscles they will cause our shoulders to roll forward, or protract.  Does this mean that doing pushups causes protracted shoulders?  NO!  The two are correlated, but pushups do not cause protracted shoulders.

This article gives another example of this confusion when it comes to our sleep.  Some studies claim that too much sleep can kill us.  The misleading information they don’t discuss is that most people that sleep “too much” are already sick and in bed.  It’s not that sleeping too much causes us to die, but rather there is a correlation due to the fact that the majority of people that sleep extensive amounts are chronically ill to begin with.

There are hundreds of studies being done every day that “prove” things to be causative of ailments or on the other side of the spectrum, medications or supplements that will “cure” medical conditions.  This isn’t to say that ALL research is wrong, but it’s just a little reminder to not believe everything you read/hear and to do some research on the research.  If something sounds too good to be true, or if something is hard to believe, there’s a reason your gut is telling you that.  Listen to it, explore it and then decide if it’s causation or correlation.

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Written by Jenny

Jenny LaBaw has been an athlete her entire life. As a 3-sport collegiate athlete, she competed in soccer, indoor and outdoor track and field. Post college she fulfilled her need for competition through endurance races ranging from 5K’s to marathons. Jenny’s athletic emphasis now is focused more on strength challenges, but she continues to be tempted by the occasional running race. Outside of competition, Jenny enjoys many outdoor activities, including mountain biking, hiking, water skiing, snow skiing, and camping with her boyfriend, Marcus and lab, Ziggy. With her love for sport and exercise, Jenny chose a career as a personal trainer so she could share her passion of health and fitness with others. Attending Cornell College, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education: Fitness and Wellness. Prior to Norcal, she has trained in gyms, private training studios, and coached soccer. Jenny has had an amazing opportunity to travel around the country coaching water skiers. Her 7+ years of coaching experience has allowed her to work directly with a wide variety of people; from children trying to discover their coordination to adults wanting to shed a few pounds to professional athletes looking to be the best in the world. No matter what walk of life you are coming from, Jenny’s mission is to help you realize your potential and get you there. She will prove to you that you can be stronger, more fit, and healthier than you think you can be. With her inspiration, motivation and dedication, she will challenge your body, encourage your mind, and help you to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Jenny will help you be your best!

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