Contrasting Your Workouts

I thought we would go down the path of the use of "contrasting" within your current workouts.

Over the history of fitness in America, there are many fads or remakes of the same idea. Like "Plyo-metrics are the only way to go to train for power," "The stability ball is the best thing ever," "Pilates is the way to go,"' "Free weights or it isn't training," we have all heard that some type of training is the silver bullet to success. We believe the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Each type or method of training will produce different results, create a different way to challenge the body and has strengths and weaknesses.

Most athletes would benefit from the use of different methods in their training program. Simply going down the line of machines at the club just will not cut it over the long haul. A small change in your training can make the world of difference in your results.

This is where CrossFit has entered. They use multiple different training methods and place them into a short, intense 30 minute workout. For further research, check out their site.

So why not "contrast" your workouts to include one exercise from one method and pair it with a second exercise from a different method and see how your body responds.

I realize this is a very broad sweep at the concept and may create strong opinions, I would love to hear your take on the idea.

Stephen McCarthy
Gear and Training
"Attacking Life and Sport Since 2001"