Meh, science is very contradictory in the fitness field I find. Some studies show one thing, another the complete opposite. It's a quagmire. The more I read about it the more confused I get. I think it will be quite a few years before we have really good, iron-clad science as to what is actually good and what isn't, when it comes to fitness, nutrition etc. I agree that you should do what works for you. Working out for a long period of time you will learn a lot about yourself and your body and how it works. Trial and error.
I completely agree with this. I've read contradicting views on certain subjects pertaining to fitness. And if you go back years, you can see where certain beliefs have been debunked.
There are some areas where I go against science - or at least some people's beliefs of science. I'll give some examples, keeping in mind I am an ectomorph/hard gainer, and I jump rope a LOT.
I eat a lot of fruit, despite being warned of the sugar content. For me, those that claim the sugar in fruit processes differently and is less harmful is definitely the case. I get hungry, I eat fruit, since I love it.
I do eat some processed foods. My office is right next door to a McDonald's I haven't set foot in, in 15 years. I pack a lunch everyday, making a sandwich with (processed) cold cuts. I get very lean cuts of meat; it's convenient, I enjoy it, and it's the much lesser of two evils.
I do some 'bad' exercises. Such as
leg extensions. They are NOT a mainstay of my leg routines. But in the summer months when Texas heat and humidity make the compound leg exercises even more exhausting, an isolation exercise like that in which I can really feel it hitting the muscle is a good alternative. I keep the weight and reps reasonable.
I also do
upright rows. I get a good mind-muscle connection, and feel I've gotten results from it.
I've taken flak for all of the above. I know the science why people don't like them, but so far they work for me. If that changes, I'll change.