Quote:
Originally Posted by cym  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. |
Hmm, I think you missed my point. Or more than likely, I didn't make my point clear.
Routine in the sense that I used it above and the sense that MOST "noobs" take it as =
A program that is set in stone. Rigid.
Even if I took the time to design, what I thought to be the most amazing fitness routine out there, it would not be applicable to everyone. My point is, the concept of a "routine" and the rigidity that accompanies it locks people into not only making things work for themselves. It also locks them into the trap of not wanting to learn what works for them through trial and error due to their faith in The Routine.
Never did I imply that people should go into the gym and do whatever they think is best and change this up from day to day with no rhyme or reason, other than this is what they are "feeling" today.
Actually, the whole point in writing this was to get some of the concepts laid out for the readers to understand what goes into creating a personal routine, instead of The Routine. Follow me?
I want people to lose the blinders and realize that even if a routine is written perfectly for YOU, it won't be perfect for long as your body adapts. Since our bodies are such amazingly adaptive mechanisms, it makes no sense at all to fall victim of The Routine mentality. Rather, IMO, it is best for them to learn the concepts and learn to apply them individually.
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