You have to go deep in the definitions (6c in Merriam-Webster), but a hack can be defined as “a clever tip or technique for doing or improving something”. Increasingly, I am seeing fitness professionals offering a variety of “fitness hacks”. In other words, they are proposing shortcuts to fitness benefits.
When I see the word “hack” associated with fitness, however, I think of the adjective definition: “working for hire especially with mediocre professional standards” (which actually reads much nicer than how I might use the word). Now not all fitness professionals are “hacks”, but the concept of a hack—or shortcut—is not uncommon in fitness marketing. This is primarily because exercisers want shortcuts—and, of course, we all want results as fast as humanly possible. Unfortunately, “fast” is never “fast enough”. If someone is offering a shortcut to fitness, question their motives and/or competency. There are no shortcuts!
The shortest path to fitness is the right path. “Quick” results come with effective training, diet, and recovery. In addition, one must consider that the pace of progression is not the same for everyone—even if that do everything the same. There are responders and non-responders to exercise. So, one person’s “hack” may be another’s waste of time and money.
So, if someone promises a fitness hack to your goal, ask yourself: “Is this person offering a more effective training or are they promising unrealistic success?”
I saw an article titled: “24 Fitness Hacks That Will Make Exercise Easier”. While the author presents many good motivational techniques, these are not techniques that will make exercise “easier”. Rather, these will (help) make it easier to exercise. This is, of course, a good thing. Nothing can make exercise “easier” than…(wait for it)…EXERCISE. Exercise intensely, and it will get easier. Of course, we have to progress exercise—we have to keep making it “harder” to get better. There are no benefits in cutting corners. Not technique, supplement, or drug will substitute for hard work.
If you want a “hack”, cut the junk food and alcohol, train more effectively and more frequently, fuel the body with the right balance of healthy carbohydrates, fats, and protein, and sleep 7-8 hours a day. Do this, and you will improve—at a sustainable rate and faster in the long-term than the one who looks for shortcut.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!