In the past decades, roughly since the 60's and 70's much of the fitness culture has changed its emphasis from training for functional goals like strength, power, or endurance, to more aesthetic goals like a slim midsection, 6-pack abs, or maybe Boulder Shoulders. One cause for this change was the rise in the bodybuilding craze that emerged from the beach towns of California. All of a sudden a muscular physique became all the rage for the guys, and the beach bunnies on their arm became the ideal body for women across the country as well. One could make an argument for the Media's roll as well in perpetuating some generally unattainable body image ideals, but that's a different post altogether. For this post I want to instead talk about the goals we all set for ourselves before we begin a training program.
Most people, upon starting a physical fitness program, will have a set goal in mind (and if you need help with this let myself or another educated buddy of yours know). However many people will have a goal in mind without knowing exactly how to train for it. Many go after that slim midsection or 6-pack abs simply from an aesthetic point of view, and I don't want to come across like there's anything wrong with wanting to look a certain way. Afterall our brains are programmed from birth to be attracted to certain attributes of strength and vitality. If this is the case, ensure that your training program is designed to achieve exactly these results. Aesthetic goals are somewhat different to train for than other goals.
If you'd rather achieve a certain level of strength and/or power, either for sports or competition, or even just to feel a bit better throughout the day, you also must ensure that your training program is designed for this type of goal. Many times training for strength or power can end up looking pretty damned awesome, afterall those physical attributes of strength and vitality are more of a Form Follows Function type of adaptation. However, it may take longer to achieve that aesthetic body shape while training for more functional goals simply because your diet and lifestyle will be geared towards supporting a very strenuous lifting routine, and more importantly, recovering from that routine. Generally these specific dietary and lifestyle routines don't support a chiseled bod with 4% bodyfat. It's been known to happen of course, but due to genetics or other individual quirks most people have a hard time holding on to both goals. Ever see a world class powerlifter?? Not usually the most aesthetically pleasing individuals eh??
So whether you want to train for Show, or train for Go, make sure your lifting and nutritional plans support that goal. Trying to train for too many things at once ends up in a Jack of All Trades, Master of None type scenario. Achieving goals in fitness and health take as much focus and dedication as goals anywhere else in life. Don't forget, however, that you don't have to pick just one goal for the rest of your life either. Many gym rats and athletes train for strength or power during one part of the year and switch gears towards the spring and summer months, and accomplish great things in doing so. But at the same time this needs to be done in a focused and responsible manner. Think about what you've been doing in the gym the past few months, and then ask yourself if it's supporting that goal you want. If so, outstanding, keep up the good work. If not, and you'd like some help in narrowing your focus a bit, ASK SOMEBODY!!! Don't waste any more time in the gym than you need to folks, there are plenty of knowledgeable individuals who'd love to help you out!!
Don't just train to train. Train for your Goals!! Kick some Ass guys!!
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