I deal with a lot of numbers in my day.
Sets, reps, weight, volume, time, personal records, rest periods, pounds on the scale, body-fat percentages..
Certain numbers hold more value than others.
Often we get stuck on a number. It may seem too big, or next-to-impossible.
Numbers can motivate OR cause frustration.
I think it’s beneficial to have some number goals.
Sometimes you don’t reach them, but they give you something to push TOWARDS.
Not just weight on the bar
One thing to remember is that the number on the barbell is NOT the only important number to remember and strive for.
A perfect example is walking each day to get in 10,000 steps.
Is 10,000 the perfect number? Who knows, but it’s a benchmark. That’s the key.
Maybe 9,000 or 11,000 would be just as effective but it’s important not to get carried away with those insignificant details.
The importance of the 10,000 step goal is to hold yourself accountable and make sure you are walking each day.
Could you walk each day without counting steps? Of course. If that works for you, by all means keep doing it.
The point is, numbers can be used as effective motivators. It’s not essential that you choose the “perfect’ number goal, as one doesn’t exist.
Having a big goal to shoot for keeps you on track with your daily activities, helping you get closer to the results you desire.
Numbers to compete with
Today I did a calisthenics workout that included pushups, squats, lunges, birds, reverse crunches, reverse pushups, jumping jacks..
I didn’t care so much about the numbers of each set. The number in my head was the total time of the workout.
My intention was simply to beat my previous time.
Having this goal gave me a competitive fire to complete another round (or two) more than the last time I did a similar calisthenics workout.
Non-stop Calisthenics
Doing bodyweight training used to bore me to tears, but it’s grown on me over the past few months.
One challenge I like about these workouts is trying to go through each exercise with no rest, continuing as long as possible for as many rounds as you can.
This is a good test for your body AND mind.
How much work can you do non-stop?
It’s a good question.
As so many of us sit for long periods of time and rarely do manual labor, I think this kind of workout is extremely valuable.
You don’t need any equipment, and only a small amount of space.
Calisthenics are perfect for outdoor training. Go barefoot in the grass and feel the ground with your hands and feet.
After being cooped up in the office all day under the flourescent lights, training outside will give you the added benefits of fresh air, vitamin d and a change of scenery.
Final Thoughts
Use numbers to your advantage.
They don’t need to hold you hostage but they can be a good motivator and guide.
Don’t overlook the power of bodyweight training, ESPECIALLY getting outside to exercise.
Weights in the gym are great, but there’s great benefits to moving your body through calisthenics circuits in nature.
Get after it.
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