With so many people getting back into a fitness routine this time of year, it is a good time for a reminder.
Working out and training are two different things.
Training is intentionally working toward a defined outcome. Working out is getting a good sweat and muscle burn.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with working out since it is good to sweat and burn some calories. However, the bad part about just working out is that you are not focused on a goal.
In my experience, the lack of a goal is one of the most common reasons people lack consistency in their training. It is the reason they give up.
On the other hand, by its very nature, training means you have a defined goal you are pushing toward.
And when I say training, it is not just about training for an event. You do not need to have a goal of running a race or winning a championship to be in training.
But you do need a goal.
So, that is step number one to make the switch from working out to training. Set a clear target that is motivating to you.
As soon as you have that target in mind, you are on your way to better focus, consistency, and perseverance in your training.
Once you have your goal in mind, you can build a plan that intentionally moves you in the right direction. You are no longer just showing up to the gym or going out for a run to get a good sweat.
Instead, you are now following your training plan to reach your goals!
Working out is what people do in boot camps, large-group fitness classes, or programs without a plan or goal. This often looks like a bunch of random exercises thrown together for easy group consumption (as opposed to individual customization). And people who do this think they are getting a great workout because it makes them sweaty and exhausted.
Beware.
Training means that your program has been purposefully and intentionally designed in advance to ensure that you are getting stronger, building endurance, and making progress toward your goals.
It also means you are not doing the same cookie-cutter workout as everyone else. Whether it is a walking or running plan or a workout in the gym, the best way to reach your goals is to customize a program specifically for you!
I have found that this is the best way to stay motivated and not fall off the training wagon like so many people do after the New Year motivation wears off.
When you know why you are training, you can measure if you are moving in the right direction.
Once you see that your program is providing traction – moving you in the right direction – it is very motivating.
At The Med Gym, we sit down with each of our members to discuss their goals when we begin training them. Then, we design a training program unique to each member.
Most gyms sign you up and show you the equipment – or throw you into the same training routine everyone else is doing.
But, we believe that helping people find their “why” for training and setting a clear goal helps them stick with it for the long haul.
So, if you want to make real progress toward your goals this year, leave the working out behind and start training.
Get a plan that is specifically designed for you and your goals. Don’t just follow the workout that everyone else is doing.
And for goodness sake, don’t let sweat be your only measure of success!
David
P.S. If you want to work with a Med Gym coach to help you get started in the right direction toward your goals this year, then you may be interested in our Resolution 2.0 program!
The majority of people that set fitness and health resolutions in the new year lose their way and quit in February.
That is why we are hosting a 4-week program at The Med Gym to help you refocus and get to your goals in 2023!
During these 4-weeks, you will get
- A customized fitness assessment and strategy session
- A training plan built just for you
- 2x/week semi-private training at The Med Gym
- 1 Nutrition Coaching session with our certified nutrition coaches
- Weekly accountability and encouragement to get moving toward your goals this year
If you are interested in joining us, we start on February 13th… And you can get in for just $129.
Just send me an email to ddrinks@themedgym.com with the words “Resolution 2.0″ for more info and to get started!
