Is your workout plan your worst enemy?
I’ve been doing the same workouts for a few months now. They helped me lose a lot of weight, build my strength, and make me feel energetic and vibrant. But humans need variety.
It wasn’t so long ago, I would have stopped working out and started planning. I’d do tons of research and write out workout charts. My workout schedule would be put on pause while I tried to find the best workout for me.
But that’s stupid.
The most important thing is to work out, not to have the perfect system. Working the human body is surprisingly simple if you follow a few basic principles. I’m not training to be an athlete, though I do want an outstanding level of general fitness. Move lots of muscles, push your limits, and have fun.
So tonight, without a plan, I just improvised a workout. My aim was to build some functional strength and endurance, and burn fat. And I don’t have weights, so it was bodyweight only. I incorporated elevated-foot pushups, dips, and pullups in a kind of circuit. It was fun.
I’m sure it will evolve into a better workout eventually, as I realize what is missing from the workout. I prefer intuiting what I need by being in tune with my body instead of relying on complex systems of reps and sets.
Next time you’re getting tired of your workout, pull an improv session. You might learn about some muscles you’re neglecting and rediscover some cool exercises.
3 Comments
by Tom
On May 24, 2010 at 9:59 pm
I’ve fallen into the same trap on more than a few occasions myself. I feel like I can’t workout without a ‘proper’ plan, but on the occasions I do go out without a plan in mind, I tend to have a lot of fun. That said, I do get a lot of pleasure out of planning a detailed workout regime (it’s sticking to it that’s hard).
by Duff
On May 26, 2010 at 12:54 pm
That so sounds like me–planning the workout in all its complexity, then doing nothing or throwing it out the window just as soon as I actually begin the exercising. :)
The last 6 months though I’ve been exercising consistently. My strategy has been to very slowly and gradually improve, and to only do as much exercise as I truly enjoy doing, to stop when I feel I am pushing too hard or will be sore or overly tired. Finding that right balance is such an art.
by Eric Normand
On May 26, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Congratulations on keeping the exercise consistent.
I rather enjoy the challenge of pushing myself. I don’t know why, but if it’s not a little bit tough, I get bored. So I set my sights on getting sore. That’s the way I like it.
That’s why what I do works for me: because I like it. It’s good that you’ve found something that works for you, too.
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