Are You Over-Processing Your Fitness?
This week we’ve been talking about whole vs. processed foods. But what about whole vs. processed fitness?
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer volume of fitness media and advice out there. Type “exercise” into Google and you’ll get scorched with the information blast.
It can seem like there are so many things to remember. So many conflicting ideas. So many details!
Don’t “Over-Process” Your Exercise
Let’s go back to basics and keep this “unprocessed”. That means no “wondering and worrying” about things like:
- What if everyone is stronger than me?
- I did 7 reps instead of 8. Did I waste my workout?
- Am I going too slowly?
- Is activity X better cardio than activity Y?
- Should I be “feeling the burn” in my upper inner pecs when I do this?
- What the heck are upper inner pecs anyway?
Don’t over-think. Don’t over-analyze. Just do it. (Nike had it right.)
Your body knows how to move. It's been moving you since before you were born. Trust it.
Don’t worry about exact rep numbers, what So-and-So Internet Expert says, or which parts are sore the next day. (If you’re a die-hard fitness information junkie, we have one question for you: How’s that working for ya?)
To lose fat, what’s most important is that you get moving and stay moving as often, as diversely, and as intensely as you can.
What To Focus On
- Do the workouts when we ask you to.
Be consistent.
- Adhere as closely to the workout program as you can.
- Use the form as described and demonstrated in the videos .
Stay alert for cues like, “Focus on drawing your shoulder blades together” or, “Make sure to put pressure through the heel.” Read the instructions, watch the videos, and practice.
- Figure out what weight/resistance to use so you can complete the required repetitions .
It doesn’t matter if that weight is 20 pounds or 200 pounds. Use what works for you.
- Use the equipment you have available to you.
If you don’t have the perfect setup, improvise.
- Stay active on your recovery days.
Do physical movements you enjoy, whether that’s bowling, ballroom dancing, dodgeball, or competitive cup stacking.
- Go at your own pace.
- Do the best you can with what you have.
- Have fun!
Your exercise is your time.
Remember, “unprocessed fitness” worked for Rocky!
What’s Up Next
This weekend, think about how to “unprocess” your food and your training. And stay tuned — we’re going to do the regular measurements plus a special check-in on Sunday.
WHAT TO DO TODAY
1 | Ask yourself: Am I over-processing my workouts?Do a check for “information overload” and “wondering and worrying”. |
2 | Get back to basics.Focus on consistent, quality movement and putting in your best effort. Let the rest take care of itself. |
3 | Eat five servings of veggies.How are you doing on your new habit? If you’ve fallen off a little bit, don’t worry. Just wipe the slate clean and do the next positive thing (which, in this case, would be eating some vegetables at your next meal). |