Time is limited for everyone. We only have 24 hours in the day, after all. The last thing we want to do is exercise. Well, hopefully, we do want to exercise; but we need to exercise and we have to use our exercise time effectively.
We have goals. Our exercise has to be specific to these goals. Anything that is not specific is wasted effort. So, scrutinize everything you do with your exercise.
All exercise is “functional” except when it is not. The less specific the exercise, the less “functional” it is. This is particularly true for athletes, but even nonathletes need to consider the effectiveness of their exercise.
Exercise is broadly categorized as “health-related” (cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle endurance, muscle strength, flexibility, and body composition) and “motor skill-related” (speed, power, agility, balance, coordination, and reaction time). All are related to performance. Performance, however, has elements of physiological adaptation and technique. The question to be asked should be: “Is what I am doing accomplishing what I desire to accomplish?” Does it promote the intended change? Does it affect changes?
Exercise not be complicated or overly creative. It just needs to be effective.
If the goal is improved cardiorespiratory endurance, then the result needs to be improved oxygen consumption (VO2max). If the goal is improved muscle strength is the goal, then the result needs to be improved strength (the ability to lift more weight). Technique practice (e.g., practicing running form can improve speed) does not affect physiological change. As such, without progressive overload (e.g., exercise that involves merely repeated movement patterns without regular increases in load) activity serves only to expend calories.
Plan your exercise time wisely. Prioritize. Work effectively. No wasted efforts.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!