Fitness Progression

Just about everyone I meet want to learn the newest exercises on the latest inventions. Although there is nothing wrong with that, it is important to understand the concept of gradual progression.

With this post I want to address the question: Where should I start? Now as cliché as it might sound, and this is especially true with your fitness, the answer is…

At the beginning.

Why? Wouldn’t i be better off just starting with the more advanced exercises from the beginning?

Let me illustrate this with an example:

Two people, John and Brenda, are both starting an exercise program, have similar goals and experience working out. John is in a hurry to get in shape while Brenda understands the concept of gradual progression. John begins an intense exercise regimen with all the newest routines. Brenda on the other hand Decides to play it safe and starts at the beginning with the most basic and fundamental exercises.

Here is a typical outcome of this scenario:

Within just a few months John starts off by doing really well. He is still excited about his new exercise program and is seeing some good results. Brenda is doing good. Even the basic exercises are enough to create positive adaptations in her physique and overall fitness. She might not have seen the same results as John, but she is not too far off.

Important point to remember: the human body can only adapt at a certain pace – regardless of the intensity of a workout. Similar to the way a car can only reach a certain speed regardless of how much pressure you put on the accelerator.

So far it might seem that John took the right approach but look and see what happens next.

Since John pretty much started at the end (all the new stuff) he really does not have anywhere to go. The human body adapts to change and there really isn’t much that he can do to advance his workouts from here. All those intense workouts are finally starting to catch up to him and he is starting to feel fatigued and extremely frustrated that the results he showed in the beginning are starting to taper off.

Brenda has MANY options in how she can progress her workout. Week by week she gradually increases the intensity of each exercise session, her energy levels are still high and she is consistently seeing progress – she even passed up John who has now hit a plateau.

So, if you’re looking to start an exercise program be sure to start slow, start at the beginning, and stay consistent. There will always be something new ahead and there will always be room to progress. That is the KEY to a successful fitness program.

Always work hard and train smart.