Working Out vs. Training?

First off, it is important to state that all the information presented below is my opinion.

Taking into account that my opinion is guided by university education, personal research and practical experience within the field it is still an opinion, and should not be taken as fact, but merely another avenue to exercise understanding.

…An avenue that has nice footpaths and probably less rubbish on its curbs than others.

Let’s start with my definition of the two;

'Working Out'

Random approach to exercise, without any direction towards specific goals;
When you are in the mood, you turn up to a session, do some work, make yourself tired -> cross your fingers and hope the results will come

'Training'

Is a carefully crafted exercise plan, targeted at specific goals;
You turn up to the session, carry out the prescribed program exactly how it is presented -> understand that through the process results will come

Exercise Science is a field that can predict results, if planned out in a logical way.

>> This is not to say working out doesn’t get results. It just doesn’t get the best results.

SO.. Within the current 2019 lifestyle, that is perceived to be time poor, dictated by not being able to find more than 3 hours in the 168 we have every week to improve their health.

>> It is probably better to choose the most efficient method in getting someone where they want to be.

Here are a few signs that you may be ‘Working out’ and not ‘Training’

You do the same thing every time you go to the gym, enjoy it, but don’t seem to get better.
You change up what you do every time you go to the gym, try new things and enjoy it, but don’t seem to get better.
You emphasise getting tired, over getting better. More ≠ Better, Better = Better
You don’t know if you’re getting better or not, because you don’t track anything.

Disclaimer: If maintenance is your goal, there is absolutely nothing wrong with working out. If you are happy with where you are in within your health and fitness journey, and your fitness schedule is composed of workouts, that make you feel good and doesn’t put you at any further risk.

Keep doing what you are doing.

Cool, so once you have made the decision to either continue on your current path or choose one that might fit your goals better.

>> What do you do?

Let’s say you’re currently working out, and you want to start training.

>> How do you go about that?

Here are a few simple things you can implement in your very next session

Write out what you are gong to do before you start your session, and stick to it.
Write exercises, reps, sets, rest times, etc…
This can simply be on a small notebook with a pen/pencil to take with you

Write down what weights you lifted (is the session is in the gym)/time you completed a certain bout of exercise in
And then next time you train, try and do a little more

Ask someone for help, preferably an exercise professional. Whilst asking your mates that go to the gym can be useful; their goals and your goals may not always align, their history of training and yours may not align, and their injury history may be different to yours.
Everyone is different, and unless you control every single variable in your life, there is no real way to compare your journey to someone else’s

I hope that this has helped you understand a little more about exercising, and you can now create your own opinion on what you are doing when you step in the gym.

If you have any questions or would like to contact us for some help on your programming... Feel free to contact us on our socials;

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