Exercise is exercise…. Right? Well, not exactly… What if you found out that all the time, energy, and money you’re spending on fitness isn’t actually setting you up for success? You’d be frustrated… BUT, that’s what happens when you don't have clear fitness goals and you're "wining it” . So let’s fix that! If you’re exercising but aren’t getting the results you desire, then you can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results. While there are some universal exercises that can benefit everybody, it’s also important to tailor your workouts to target and address the specific needs of a hiker (or specific goal). Here’s what do do instead: - Know what is actually needed to achieve your goals
- Have a specific and detailed training plan
- Focus on training rather than exercising (be intentional)
- Schedule and log your workouts
When it comes to exercise, yes it’s true that doing something is better than nothing. However, not all exercises are equal. It’s also important to distinguish the difference between exercise and training. Exercise is a fairly broad term for any kind of physical movement. Whereas training, is a process and method of exercising with a more specific intention or goal— it involves focusing on what’s most important and effective. For hikers, training should be aimed at 1) improving performance and ability and 2) injury prevention. Also, a good training plan can both improve and maintain your overall health, PLUS help you achieve a larger fitness goal (like accomplishing your bucket-list hike). “Short-cuts” The only real “short-cut” when it comes to fitness is being intentional— focusing on what really matters and trimming out the extraneous fluff (things that aren’t efficient or effective). Having a detailed and specific training plan that’s tailored to your goals will maximize your time and effort by focusing on the right things. PLUS, not only are you more likely to be successful in reaching your goal, but you’ll do so even faster! I think goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway… Any fitness goal requires consistency, patience, and work! As temping as it might be, DON’T go looking for the “short-cuts” that promise results with little to no effort involved or in an unrealistic timeframe (like…“Get in the best shape of your life in ONLY 4 weeks WITHOUT even trying!”).
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