Training vs. Exercising

Only a small percentage of Americans exercises. I know it does not

Older couple running on the beach

Running towards something instead of from something

look like it when you go by TV, magazines, etc..

Regular exercisers are rare. Many people start and stop programs in short order.

A lot of people would like to lose weight, tone, or focus on changes in body composition.

 

The Struggle for Identity

Most people identify themselves as someone/something.  Some may say they are successful business owners, dads, moms, personal trainers, teachers, etc. You get the drift. In the world of fitness it is very much the same: We have people who identify themselves as runners, crossfitters, bodybuilders, tennis players, golfers, etc.

But there is also the silent majority of exercisers. The ones who want to lose weight, body fat, and tone. Here the perception is different. Unless they have a sport that they are pursuing, these people have difficulties associating themselves with what they are doing. They want to get rid of something. This group exercises, while the former group trains for something. There is a biger chance for people who exercise to lose weight, etc. to quit as if they trained for something.

Start Training for Instead of Getting Rid of Something

If you find yourself struggling adhering to your exercise routine, catching yourself falling off the wagon regularly, maybe it is time to change your goals. Redirect that laser-sharp focus from loss… to gain, to faster, to whatever might interest you. Now you are working towards something instead of away from something. The focus turns from negative to positive. The changes that you make in your lifestyle, training and nutrition all of a sudden will seem to be more positive and less like a sacrifice.

Things to train for

Here is a list of things that you can train for that can get you into the right mindset:

  • Run a race (5k, 10k, Half-Marathon, etc)
  • Train for an obstacle race, involves strength and endurance! Great combination
  • Pick up a sport and get in shape for it (golf, tennis, martial arts, basketball, soccer, etc.). You can find adult leagues everywhere.
  • Start riding a bike with a group that trains for a longer bike ride.
  • Get strong. Become a lifter, maybe even a powerlifter. See how strong you can get.

These goals are just a few examples of what you can train for. You may not need those goals, you may be focused and dialed into your weight- or fat loss,  but I personally always have done better when I had a goal that is different from those. Fat loss just came as a nice side-effect of me training for something.

Have a great day,

 

Michael

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