3 Things

A few factors got me thinking recently about the why and hows of different training methodologies. The first was that my gym unit was out of action for a few weeks due to refurbishment. The second was that I read “Living with a seal” (no, not about the aquatic beast). And third was that I was away on holiday with my partner and all the kids. Each one made me assess and approach my training sessions differently. The main overlapping factors which they highlighted to me were:

• Simplistic training works
• Discipline is key
• Mindset matters

Having The Unit out of action for a few weeks forced me to train without my usually rig and equipment. It made me think of other types of sessions that I could complete which allowed me to still make progress. Granted a lot of my kit is mobile but due to storage I wouldn’t be bringing it all back to the house so I swapped and chose wisely. 
Living with a Seal reinforced the notion that you sometimes (maybe more) just have to get up, stick your training kit on and DO THE WORK! No one else will do it for you. Also, most excuses that you create to avoid making the changes you need are crap. You need to think of solutions. If that is finding 5 minutes a day to start your 5km running goal or if it’s putting that box of Krispy Kremes back 2 times per week. It is putting you on the right path.
Whilst away on holiday I accepted my training regime would be different, I enjoyed the buffet options, the drinks on tap (including the slush cocktails) but I also told myself that every little helps. The hotel had an outdoor gym area near the pool with a pull up rig so almost each time I walked past it I would jump up and complete some pull ups, some leg raises and then drop and do some push ups. Combined with some random sets in the room I reckon I completed between 80-100 push ups per day and around 20-30 pull ups and leg raises. Our room was a good number of steps from the pool and bar zone so I was probably clocking around 8000-10,000 steps just by doing our normal routine (plus the extra bombing, swimming and climbing out of the pool activity). Over the week I didn’t feel the need to actually train what I would call a proper session, my activity just formed part of my day. 
Now I know you may be thinking but I can’t do pull ups and I hate push ups; and that’s fine. Then do some plank, go for a walk, a run or play water polo with the hotel reps. Or you may be thinking why is Dave even caring or considering any of this whilst on holiday?! The simple, truthful fact is I enjoy it. I like to feel energised by a few reps of exercise, I like to take care of myself and I see the whole process as a life long habit to enable me to be able to do stuff for as long as I can. Why would I not want to do something that makes me feel good about myself? I don’t like to have a hangover everyday, I don’t like to feel sluggish. But remember this is all me…this is my choice, my goals, my lifestyle.
Anyway; back on track to the main theme of the piece. The three influences made me edge my sessions towards what I call “Mind over Matter” training. Some might read it as monotonous or boring but I like to approach it as challenging and almost a meditative state. The basis was:

• 35-45 minute timer (depending on time available)
• Pick 3 or 4 solid exercises 
• Pick a rep range that works you below failure (tiring each set but not having to take rest to complete)
• Repeat the above for the given time

Example would be:

• Heavy sandbag carry (single shoulder) x 4 garden lengths 
• 15 x Kettlebell thrusters
• 10 x weighted push ups

I like to think of these workouts as “building the engine”. You get to rest on the transitions but the idea is that is it just enough to allow you to keep working well. Some of them are boring on paper but (and this is where it gets a bit Rocky-esque) thoughts pop in my head such as “Don’t you dare stop”, “10 breathes and pick it up again”, “No one else is doing this so keep going”. Usually half way through I want to stop, I want to just do 30 minutes instead of 40 or I will try and think of excuses to cut a round off the end. But then I might call myself some sort of obscenity, take a deep breathe and get going again. Because if I’m not going to put the work in to myself why should any one else and also how can I expect my clients to push on and get through the tough sessions if I don’t. Ultimately it’s the sense of accomplishment, the completion of the hard work that feels amazing. Because like I said, your results are down to you. Finding things hard is part of change otherwise you would already be doing those things. Find your Seal, be in control and set your mindset to open.