In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they’re different.

It is a funny saying, but so true. You can read about or develop theories around what should work, but you will not know what really works until you apply it.

In many areas, practitioners are on the cutting edge, with theorists coming along behind to explain why what the practitioners do works. With nutrition, strength and conditioning, most of the most effective practices have been around for a long time, but the related theories change frequently.

If you want the most effective methods for achieving great results, should you look to theorists or practitioners?