No secret here that OPEX is something I believe in… and many times I find myself having discussions with my athletes and coaches about a certain topic one day, and then the next day that topic happens to be posted on the OPEX blog! (right Doug!!, uncanny!!)
This time it's in reverse order though… the concept of "what's the purpose?"
This isn't going to go into an inspirational rant on how to train, or how to create purpose in your training experiences… instead, let's ponder some questions…
Do you have fitness goals, and how are you navigating your training towards achieving those goals?
Do you have life goals, and can you make the connection between achieving both life and fitness goals?
-doesn't have to be deep and meaningful… but purposeful.
Have you ever pulled up Facebook… and then about an hour later, you are still on Facebook?
Garbage Time vs. Purposeful Time
Point is, we only have a limited time on Earth… so how are we spending our time? When we set up a match between our garbage time and purposeful time… which one comes out the winner?
An example… my approach to how I spend my time is very similar to what I did as a 16-17 year old aspiring football player/high school student.
-train to be better each day, and work hard enough to enjoy my sport, feel good & be healthy… goal = fun
-study… goal = attain and retain knowledge
-work… goal = financial comfort… but not a slave to cash
-family time + quiet time for "me" (naps, resting my eyes etc)… goal = LOVE
-garbage time… zoning out… release (watching sports and cartoons on TV)… goal = balance
This is just my simple blueprint. I do have specific goals, both regarding my life and my fitness… but my ultimate goal is to not lose sight of my purpose!
Quick note before I wrap this up…
"Garbage" can have a very negative connotation, but our garbage time is not always negative… it's almost necessary to create balance. My example of garbage time allows me to laugh at stupid cartoons, enjoy the talents of professional athletes doing something I wish I could do, and allows me to "not think" for a bit. I need this in my life because of how much "thinking" I do each day and each week. The key for me is the balance, and practicing the self-discipline it takes to be great at something… hence not getting sucked into the "garbage time" wormhole.
It's OK to have purpose… it doesn't make you "type A", anal retentive or a control freak. It just makes you better at being you!
And purposeful training… aerobic base, sprints, strength, lactic & muscular endurance… all of which can influence your health metrics, competitive performance and happiness! We try like hell to provide balanced programming for you based on what we know and have learned. Specific goals, however, cannot be painted with a broad brush…
…purpose?
What's the (YOU'RE) purpose?
… please don't be shy about sharing here!!
Thanks!
~cpj
My Purpose for training has a few layers;
-to see what my body and mind are capable of,
-to be able to live my life the way I want,
-to better help others on their fitness journey
As I get older my purpose in training has shifted from being competitive to being more about feeling good when I look at myself in to mirror. I also find myself listening to my body and adjusting my workouts as necessary. I know my time at the Shed is preparing me for a long ACTIVE life. My goals as of now break down to:
-feel good naked
-be able to do what I love until the day I die
-be happy and have fun while safely continuing on my fitness journey
-creating an environment where others can do the same!
This is a subject near and dear to my heart. After hitting the little “Five-Oh” mark, I followed a wise mentor in saying to life..”I’ve arrived” and it’s time to break free from self- imposed limitations. So, in every area of my life: Career, family and relationships, fitness, spirituality, education, and recreation, my goal is to be open to what’s possible. That means being open to the unknown, wide open space and embracing it all. Including picking up a barbell for the first time in Aug 2015!
I don’t know what the destination looks like, but the journey is amazing, wonderful, challenging, scary, exhilarating and…you get the picture.
Great words of wisdom, as always!
Naps…everyone needs that time to just rest my eyes!