In the world of fitness workouts, simplicity is often celebrated as the ultimate virtue. But is it really serving your goals? Or is it just a way to avoid understanding the complexities of what it takes to truly enhance your life?
Let’s break this down.
Simplicity Isn’t Always Effective
The other day, I shared an idea: “We keep things simple to avoid understanding.” Some people looked confused. Some rolled their eyes. And some outright dismissed the point.
Here’s the thing: many people lift weights for one of three reasons:
- To look stronger.
- To get stronger at gym-specific movements.
- To be stronger for real-life, unpredictable scenarios—sports, hiking, parenting, or anything requiring dynamic movement.
All of these are valid goals. But let’s ask the hard question: is what you’re doing in the gym actually serving the goal you care about?
The Truth About “Simple” Workouts
Sure, it’s easy to stick with the basics—bench press, leg press, maybe some curls. They’re simple, measurable, and familiar. But simplicity often hides a critical flaw: it overlooks how the body truly functions.
Movement is complex. Life is complex. Your body wasn’t designed to move in straight lines and rigid patterns. Yet many traditional workouts focus on precisely that.
Why? Because complexity requires understanding—and understanding takes effort.
The Missing Elements in Most Workouts
Take a closer look at a well-designed movement sequence—one that incorporates strength, coordination, and mobility. Many would dismiss it as a “waste of time” simply because they don’t understand its value.
But think about it:
- Coordination ties your strength into real-world scenarios.
- Mobility ensures that strength can actually be applied without breaking down.
- Strength, when combined with these elements, isn’t just for show—it’s functional, adaptable, and powerful.
Are You Strong Where It Matters?
Here’s a challenge: ask yourself why you want to be stronger.
- Do you want to impress others with how you look?
- Do you want to hit PRs in the gym?
- Or do you want to perform better in life—on the golf course, on a snowboard, or carrying groceries up the stairs?
If your answer leans toward real-life strength, you may need to rethink your training.
Action Steps to Break Free from “Good Enough”
- Identify Your True Goal
Be honest. Why are you working out? If it’s for functional strength, make sure your training reflects that. - Incorporate Multi-Dimensional Movements
Add exercises that challenge your strength, mobility, and coordination simultaneously. Think kettlebell flows, ViPR moves, or rotational lunges. - Seek to Understand, Not Just Do
Don’t just go through the motions of a workout. Learn why an exercise matters and how it contributes to your goals. - Push Beyond Your Comfort Zone
“Good enough” won’t help you thrive. Be willing to engage with the complexity of movement to become truly capable outside the gym.
Don’t Settle for Simple
Simple has its place, but it’s not the endgame. Movement is complex because life is complex. If you want to truly elevate your fitness, stop simplifying and start striving for deeper understanding.
At Tony Cress Training Center, we challenge you to embrace complexity—not for complexity’s sake, but because it’s the key to unlocking your potential.
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