By the letter, yes. But in essence, no.
My personal training could probably fit into most or all of these categories...or none of them perfectly. What's important isn't the details that make these systems different, but the core principles that they share. So, what are those principles?
- Using your body the way it was intended to be used. These means compound movements where all your muscle groups (or at least, multiple groups) and systems working together to squat, lunge, push, pull and rotate
- You are training for strength and conditioning you can apply in every day life. Certainly, looking better is generally a byproduct of this, but it's not the primary objective
- HIGH intensity, short duration of training sessions - not only is this a far more effective approach (a lot more to come on this in future posts), but it also gives you more time to spend with your family and to pursue other interests (in a well-rounded life, you, like, have other interests)
- NO "isolation" movements or machines - when is the last time in a real life scenario you needed to curl something using only your biceps power while your elbow was braced firmly against the inside of your knee? Right, I thought so
- NO long sessions of steady-state cardio (for example, an hour on the exercise bike on the same setting) - first, it's boring as all hell; second, it's woefully ineffective; and third, who has that kind of time? (My own exception to this rule is running outside. I like to run, I like to do races, so I do. If you love the elliptical machine as a hobby, I guess you should do it, but not until you've had your head checked for mental imbalances first.)
- Get outside often
- Train as naturally as you can. I try to be barefoot whenever possible and safe, I never use weight belts and straps. Expensive shoes, belts, straps, etc. are all just crutches that are actually creating imbalances and weaknesses in your body
- Variety - it stimulates the body, mind and soul
It's working for me - I'm stronger, leaner, faster and have fewer aches and pains than ever before. Plus, my motivation doesn't wane and I have no excuses to not get in a great workout (I have techniques that kick my ass in as little as 8 minutes with no equipment necessary.)
Posts
This is all very inspiring. Just last night I looked at Tony and said "I have not gone for a run in OVER a year". This coming from who used to run between 20-25 miles per week for many years. It's sad, really...and I miss it more than I can explain. But, the question still remains - "when" do I workout? Do I sacrifice an hour in the a.m. with Ellie or an hour in the p.m. with her? As it is, I only work Mon-Thurs therefore my time with Ellie is cut short (between the morning and evenings I maybe get a total of 3-4 hours with her on those workdays). On my days off (Fr-Sun) I incorporate her into my workout but I’m finding it impossible to workout with her during the workweek… I will be following your blog. Very proud of you!
ReplyDelete-Alexis
Thanks, Alexis! It's funny, but I posted on pretty much this topic a minute ago...before I read your comment. I totally hear you, it's really tough, especially when the little ones are still so new to you. See my new post for how I've altered my routine to try to make it work (it helps that Z&J are both on pretty consistent schedules now).
ReplyDeleteOne big thing that helped me mentally was finally realizing that working out wasn't something I was just doing for me. It's important to the family that I be healthy and active for your family for many, many years to come. One day, I just started thinking I want the kids to be proud of how strong their dad is and how I'm always playing sports / games and doing fun stuff with them, even as I get older. That was a big kick in the ass for me. (It helps that Jane digs it, too... :-)