When it comes to training I’ve always been a fan of the basics.
Some folks may disagree as to what the exact basics are but I see them as: the main barbell movements, calisthenics and cardio/conditioning.
For the barbell, that includes squats, deadlifts, presses, rows and variations of each.
Basic calisthenics to me is pushups, pullups, dips, jumping jacks, burpees, ab exercises.
For cardio/conditioning there are a ton of options. For conditioning I prefer the sled, hills and jump rope.
With steady-state-cardio I like plain-old walking, hiking or cycling.
Everyone has their favorites. Honestly, there’s no right or wrong choice. Don’t let the opinions of others hold you back.
If you are overwhelmed by information, just pick one or two and try them for a few weeks.
You can always try something different.
There’s no judge and jury waiting to condemn you to a life of shame if your choice of cardio isn’t what they prefer.
That’s one thing I dislike about the fitness industry.
Fit pros have this tendency to criticize other training programs or workouts, and tell you how their plan is far superior.
Like I said, I have my favorites, but I also accept the fact that not everyone wants to train like me or in a way that I see as optimal.
Finding your essentials
Once you find your “basics”, you may stick to them for the rest of your life. Or you may desire some variety here and there. Either approach is fine.
I want to encourage you to feel FREE to try out any exercise or training or diet that you have an interest in.
When you have a strong desire, combined with curiosity and results, you find a winning combination.
Sometimes this happens almost by accident. It may come from being forced to find a new way to work around some injury or limitation.
My essentials have changed over the years, yet they’ve also stayed the same in many ways.
We are living human beings, constantly changing and adapting.
In my view, we should be open to change.
Not change just for the sake of change because we are bored, but change when we are stuck in a rut and need to break out of it.
Usually it takes quite awhile to get in a rut, so it’s not something where we need to change our workout program every other week.
What I encourage you to do is block out any experts or gurus who say you absolutely HAVE to train their way or else you aren’t really training or you’re wasting your time.
They don’t get to own space in your head.
All that matters is you challenge yourself and you grow in ways that are agreeable to you.
No one’s opinion matters but your own.
Remember that, especially when you are on social media and see someone who is in great shape and claims to have the answer FOR EVERYONE.
They don’t, just as I don’t.
I put my info out there into the world as it comes from my heart and soul. You can vibe with it or you don’t. Either way, it’s all good. I have to let it out regardless.
We are attracted to certain people, places and ideas, often for reasons beyond our understanding.
I know I’ve found that to be the case many times in my life.
Why do I like what this person has to say about a topic but not this other person? Maybe they were saying the same thing but the attitude or delivery or vibe was different..
There’s nothing wrong with that.
It’s the nature of attraction. We can’t quite put a finger on WHY, but we know that it exists.
In summary, think for yourself. Learn what you can from people you vibe with, and come up with your own essentials.
They may be like mine or someone else’s, and they may be a combination.
Is running essential?
You decide.
Is lifting a barbell 3 days a week essential?
Maybe, maybe not.
It all depends on you and your goals and what speaks to your heart.
Are kettlebells essential? Not for me, but if you love them, that’s great! Embrace that personal preference.
For my newest training programs you can do at home or the gym- GO HERE and TAKE ACTION.
2 NEW PROGRAMS:
REBEL FITNESS- For you guys who just can’t be held to the mainstream and need to do your OWN thing!
LEVEL UP 45- For the guys and gals who don’t like the gym and can’t find the “motivation” to get consistent with a program- a plan you can do at home with or without equipment.