Would you take the advice of......

It depends. I'd take the advice of some of the folks on here over the advice I've gotten from *some* professionals. I take no one's word as gospel and do my own research.

^^This. Also, just because someone is a professional, it does not mean a subject is within their area of expertise. For example, for nutrition, I would take the advice of someone here who has shown that they have conducted the appropriate reseach and generally "knows their *kitten*" over a personal trainer (unless said forum member is a PT), doctor or even nutritionist. However, I would take the advice of my doctor with regard to a medical issue.