In my decade of working with clients of all levels and of all different fitness goals, I have found only two things to be true. It does not matter if we are talking about getting stronger to rehab a knee to simply walk around the block to walk the dog, or to gain enough strength to be able to push the 300lb lineman to get to the quarterback. Whatever the goals, there are still just two important factors in their programs. Certainly the exercises and nutrition guidelines will be vastly different, but the keys to each of the two clients’ success are the same – intensity and consistency.
Intensity is a hard concept for many people to grasp in their exercise program. The simple fact is that we are asking our bodies to make change, whether our goal is to lose some body fat, gain strength, or rehabilitate a joint. In order for a change to occur on a cellular level within our bodies, we need to ask it to perform activities that we do not normally do (within proper and safe steps of course). Let’s look at the strength gain example. If we normally pick up things that weigh 10lbs – a gallon of milk or a book bag – we cannot pick up 10lb dumbbells when in the gym and expect to gain much strength. Pick up 15lbs or 20lbs and over time the 10lb daily jobs become easier.
Consistency, we as a public can at least understand. We know that in order to achieve results at a skill, we must practice it. People pick up a golf club for the first time and usually slice the hell out of the ball. After months, and sometimes years of practice, that individual can learn to hit it straight. It is consistent practice that brought the improvement. Those people that play golf twice a year will not see much improvement even after ten years. If I want to lose those last 10lbs and I go the the gym one week 3 times, the next week once, and the next week two times, even if my intensity is high, my body does not allow for positive neurological change. Without defining those grooves, I cannot expect real physiological change. The bottom line is find a schedule and stick to it.
The program choice becomes important, but the overall concept to achieve results is to establish the right intesity and be consistent in application of that intesity.
Our main focus is to have people move better, get stronger, and stay leaner. All else will fall into line with those items met. For more information on our products and services check out www.bw-pt.com.
Proper program is important, but at this level, it comes down to work hard and work consistent!
