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Exercise Isn't Training: How to achieve your fitness goals
The vast difference between exercise and training
In the realm of fitness, the terms "exercise" and "training" are often used interchangeably, but they represent two vastly different approaches to physical activity. Whilst exercise can certainly contribute to general health and well-being, it may not always lead to the specific improvements and the goals you are looking to achieve. Training, on the other hand, involves a structured and systematic approach tailored to individual objectives, ensuring measurable progress over time.
In this article, we delve into why exercise isn't training and how you can optimise your efforts to reach your fitness goals effectively.
The Pitfall of Aimless Exercise:
Many people engage in exercise without a clear plan or purpose. They may hop on a treadmill, lift weights randomly, or attend fitness classes without considering how these activities align with their goals. Don't get us wrong, we're all for movement. Exercise is essential for our health to pump oxygen around the body and maintain mobility and strength. While any movement is better than none, the lack of direction and specificity can hinder progress. You may not have considered it yet, but without a targeted approach, how are you going to make improvements?
Counting Reps vs. Progression:
One of the defining features of training is the emphasis on progression. It's not just about going through the motions; it's about systematically challenging your body to adapt and grow stronger over time. If you're not going up over time then you're no longer challenging your body and it stagnates. Now it's time you track key metrics such as repetitions, sets, and weight lifted, and gradually increasing these variables as your body becomes more capable. Without this structured approach, plateauing becomes inevitable, and the desired results may remain elusive.
Sounds like effort?
We get it, it's easier to just go to the gym and see what you feel like doing. We're all for mindful exercise and listening to what your body wants to do. But if you have goals on the line then you do need to set aside some days where you focus on systematic training. That doesn't need to be complicated spreadsheets and maths either. Knowing what you have to do in the gym can help make the time go faster so you don't spend too long thinking about what you're going to do. Here are some tips to make sure you are training rather than just exercising.
Tips for Effective Training:
- Establish a Program: Rather than approaching each workout as a standalone activity, create a comprehensive training program tailored to your goals. This program should include a variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups, along with specific guidelines for sets, reps, and intensity for your desired goals. Writing down your program can help you stay accountable and track your progress over time.
- Consistency is Key: Stick to your training program consistently for at least four weeks before making any significant changes. It takes time for the body to adapt and for improvements to become noticeable. Jumping from one routine to another too quickly can impede progress and lead to frustration.
- Embrace Variation: While consistency is important, so is variety. After completing a four-week training block, consider changing elements of your program to keep your body challenged and prevent stagnation. This could involve altering exercises, rep ranges, or intensity levels to introduce new stimuli and promote continued growth.
- Seek Professional Guidance: If you're unsure where to start or how to structure your training program, consider working with a certified personal trainer. In your ATTIKA Bespoke Fitness Blueprint Consultation, your trainer can assess your current fitness level, discuss your goals, and design a customised plan to help you reach them efficiently. They can also provide guidance on proper form, injury prevention, and optimal progression strategies.
In conclusion, while exercise has its merits, it's important to recognise the distinction between simply moving your body and engaging in purposeful training. By adopting a systematic approach focused on progression and consistency, you can maximise your efforts and inch closer to your fitness goals. With ATTIKA bespoke training options whether that's Personal Training or Group Personal Training, you will have a professional by your side to ensure that happens. Whether you're aiming to build strength, improve endurance, or enhance overall fitness, systematic bespoke training at ATTIKA is the key to unlocking your full potential.
In the realm of fitness, the terms "exercise" and "training" are often used interchangeably, but they represent two vastly different approaches to physical activity. Whilst exercise can certainly contribute to general health and well-being, it may not always lead to the specific improvements and the goals you are looking to achieve. Training, on the other hand, involves a structured and systematic approach tailored to individual objectives, ensuring measurable progress over time.
In this article, we delve into why exercise isn't training and how you can optimise your efforts to reach your fitness goals effectively.
The Pitfall of Aimless Exercise:
Many people engage in exercise without a clear plan or purpose. They may hop on a treadmill, lift weights randomly, or attend fitness classes without considering how these activities align with their goals. Don't get us wrong, we're all for movement. Exercise is essential for our health to pump oxygen around the body and maintain mobility and strength. While any movement is better than none, the lack of direction and specificity can hinder progress. You may not have considered it yet, but without a targeted approach, how are you going to make improvements?
Counting Reps vs. Progression:
One of the defining features of training is the emphasis on progression. It's not just about going through the motions; it's about systematically challenging your body to adapt and grow stronger over time. If you're not going up over time then you're no longer challenging your body and it stagnates. Now it's time you track key metrics such as repetitions, sets, and weight lifted, and gradually increasing these variables as your body becomes more capable. Without this structured approach, plateauing becomes inevitable, and the desired results may remain elusive.
Sounds like effort?
We get it, it's easier to just go to the gym and see what you feel like doing. We're all for mindful exercise and listening to what your body wants to do. But if you have goals on the line then you do need to set aside some days where you focus on systematic training. That doesn't need to be complicated spreadsheets and maths either. Knowing what you have to do in the gym can help make the time go faster so you don't spend too long thinking about what you're going to do. Here are some tips to make sure you are training rather than just exercising.
Tips for Effective Training:
- Establish a Program: Rather than approaching each workout as a standalone activity, create a comprehensive training program tailored to your goals. This program should include a variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups, along with specific guidelines for sets, reps, and intensity for your desired goals. Writing down your program can help you stay accountable and track your progress over time.
- Consistency is Key: Stick to your training program consistently for at least four weeks before making any significant changes. It takes time for the body to adapt and for improvements to become noticeable. Jumping from one routine to another too quickly can impede progress and lead to frustration.
- Embrace Variation: While consistency is important, so is variety. After completing a four-week training block, consider changing elements of your program to keep your body challenged and prevent stagnation. This could involve altering exercises, rep ranges, or intensity levels to introduce new stimuli and promote continued growth.
- Seek Professional Guidance: If you're unsure where to start or how to structure your training program, consider working with a certified personal trainer. In your ATTIKA Bespoke Fitness Blueprint Consultation, your trainer can assess your current fitness level, discuss your goals, and design a customised plan to help you reach them efficiently. They can also provide guidance on proper form, injury prevention, and optimal progression strategies.
In conclusion, while exercise has its merits, it's important to recognise the distinction between simply moving your body and engaging in purposeful training. By adopting a systematic approach focused on progression and consistency, you can maximise your efforts and inch closer to your fitness goals. With ATTIKA bespoke training options whether that's Personal Training or Group Personal Training, you will have a professional by your side to ensure that happens. Whether you're aiming to build strength, improve endurance, or enhance overall fitness, systematic bespoke training at ATTIKA is the key to unlocking your full potential.
