Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve  I hate the idea of "routines." They limit your thinking. They lock you into a set way of doing things. Knowing how amazingly adaptive our bodies are, it should be common sense that a set "routine" is not the smartest choice. Rather, understanding the basic principles that apply to everyone is paramount IMO. I know you don't want to have to put thought into it. You just want to be handed a sheet that tells you exactly when and what to eat and when and how to train. If you think you can't do this on your own, find a trainer! A good one. |
Not so much a rant as good, solid information which I hope gets read...but lately I sort of wonder how many people actually take the time to look around the forum and read the stickies because I keep seeing the same generic questions (that admittedly we all have at first) repeated that are more than answered in one or more of the stickies.
But, I do take a small exception to "I hate routines" idea...and feeling like I'm poking a stick at a bear I'm going to add my contrary 2 cents.
Day after day, for a year and a half I have seen people show up in the gym and flail away, seemingly without clear purpose. I've witnessed friends and co-workers embark on an exercise program with the vauge intention of "getting more exercise". And, frankly, I've seen people on this and other forums whose single plan seems to be to do which ever exercise "burns the most calories".
Just IMO, based on my own body and the things I've mentioned above, walking into a gym without a clear objective beyond "burning calories" is just plain silly. Taking the time to figure out a short term goal (which is a part of a longer term goal), with measureable markers of progress, developing an individualized plan with individual components that have the potential of of meeting that goal, and then sticking with that plan long enough to realistically judge how effective it is...is the purpose of having a set routine. Not to mention that I believe (again purely IMO) having and following a structred routine instills a certain needed discipline.
Okay, there's more...cause I guess I have pretty strong opinions on this area, but I'll shut up. Except to say that, based on my scientific research involving n=1, with each and every routine I have "written" and followed, there has been the potential to learn.
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