Numbers, numbers, numbers!!!

I have struggled with the numbers game for some time but lately I realize that numbers (amount) do not mean nearly as much as purpose (quality). 

It sad when I see my friends, people I know, and so called experts post how many days they go to the gym,  focus on how many reps they do, and  focus on how many workouts they do.  It's even sadder when they equate the high number of things they do as the main reason for their success.  It is not the high number of things they do, but the quality of what they do.  If you work out hard 6 days a week, do you think that all the workouts are quality?   It's likely a few of those workouts are good but the others are "just get it down" work outs (I like to call them junk work out or for running junk miles).   The just get it done workouts can actually harm you by decreasing neuromuscular improvement or increasing your risk for injury.

If you work out hard all the time or at a high intensity, your body will eventually lose efficiency. 

You are completely taxing your system and not allowing for proper recovery.  Additionally, you should have a goal with each workout that does not include "just make it through it."  Good form, improvement in skill, improvement in strength, and/or endurance should be the goal (pick a primary and secondary goal for each workout).  Another goal should be to not get injured or feel "beat down."  You can have hard workouts that tax you but they should be to test your improvement not the norm.  

Injury occurs from both mental and physical fatigue. 

Injury occurs when you one or more areas are overloaded to the point that they body cannot continue to adapt enough.  So, if you are sore all the time or working to maximum do you think you fatigue mentally and physically?  Do you think you will become stiff and not able to control the movements properly leading to excessive overload?  So, why not try to stay mentally focused and physically able?  Maybe, program in some warm-up and recovery (do not rely on your coach or instructor to do this for you)?

Instead of focusing on hitting the gym, trails, pavement, etc. 5-6 days week, maybe focus on 3 good workout and 2-3 days of mobility and skill building.  

Instead of thinking always about the number of sets and reps, think about good quality reps and sets.  This all applies to running as well.  Instead of always focused on miles or time, focus and quality running that improves your abilities.  Running 100 miles a week without a purpose or goal besides getting the miles is only going to get you 100 miles with some improvements.  It will most likely get you hurt and frustrated as well.   Better every day should be your focus not more every day (more ≠ better, better = better). 

If you are interested in quality of movement and exercise, Natural Performance Rehab offers group classes or individual sessions to help you understand and improve your quality and become better every day.