Hey, fitness warriors. Have you ever wondered how we can sometimes feel like we’re walking on cotton in the gym, and other days be able to break our limits like Superman? Do these ups and downs leave you feeling that the road to fitness can be a bit uncertain? We’re going to discuss how to make each workout a step towards success.
Why do we struggle with fitness?
The world is full of surprises. Work pressure, lack sleep, family duties… All of these things will affect how we feel when we enter the gym. We often stop training because we are in a “bad state” and cannot find the right intensity. This not only slows down progress, but also makes it difficult to see the true value of fitness-persistence efforts.
I believe that the key to success is twofold: the first is consistency, and the second is training intensity. Do you exercise 4-5 days a week or 2-3 days a weeks? It doesn’t really matter. What matters is your ability to stick with your goals. Intensity depends on how you feel that day.
We have worked with a variety of clients, including CEOs, parents, and professional athletes. They all have a busy life, but can find a plan that suits their needs and give it their best in every fitness session. Nate, a CEO, has only 15 minutes per week to train, but he makes incredible progress with high-intensity, short-term training.
How to improve and measure training intensity?
The intensity of training may sound abstract, but can be measured in a simple way: the subjective perceived exertion is measured by RPE (subjective perceived exertion), and the number repetitions remaining is measured by RIR (remaining repetitions).
RPE is a scoring system of 1-10 that helps you determine the intensity you want to train at. If you feel you can do two more reps but are struggling to do so, then this intensity is about 8 points. RIR is easier. The goal is to maintain 1-2 reps in each session of strength, which can provide challenge and prevent injury.
In our fast-paced world, we are always looking for immediate results but overlook the power of persistence. In the gym, there are always people who are enthusiastic at the start of the year but disappear in March. The root of our failure is this mentality that says “either you go all out, or you give up completely”.
Fitness is a marathon, not a sprint. No matter how you feel when you enter the gym, as long you keep going, you will reach your goal. Those “bad days” are part of your progress. Those “ordinary” days will help you build a solid foundation. And those “superman days” are when you surpass your limits.
Remember that every workout, no matter how intense or long, is a fulfillment of the promise you made to yourself. You will see amazing changes if you stick to it.
