How Simple Is Your Training?
By Sandy Sommer RKC on in Featured Articles
I hope that you try to make your life as simple as you can. Complicated is not the way to live. As Occam once said, “Make things as simple as you can but no simpler.”
So why do so many of us insist on making their training so involved? Get from point A to point B with no intricacies if at all possible. You certainly would go from Baltimore Maryland to Washington DC via Chicago Illinois unless you are masochistic.
We have a choice in our life and in our training. Don’t make either harder than they need be.
We train seeking transformation. As I’ve written before, if we get stronger, faster and more powerful the rest takes care of itself. I add eating with intelligence, since you can’t outwork a donut. Take a page (or three) from Mark Sisson and use the Primal Blueprint to your advantage.
My own training is laughable in its simplicity. I do snatches, swings, barbell dead lifts, barbell front squats, and pull ups. I eat sensibly. I 7.9% body fat. I’m 48. I’m reasonably strong. I never get hurt. I pay attention. I don’t “overreach.” My workouts never last more than 30 minutes. Most are shorter.
How are you doing?
Train with purpose,
Sandy Sommer RKC
9 Comment(s)
By Jason on Jun 25, 2010 | Reply
Thanks for the reminder. Just started ETK and sometimes its hard to really believe this but its true. Why make it hard and complicated.
By Sandy Sommer RKC on Jun 26, 2010 | Reply
Jason, Almost without exception, simple seems to be so much better. Let us know how you like ETK.
Train with purpose,
Sandy Sommer RKC
By mark on Jun 26, 2010 | Reply
Navy SEALS do it as simple as anyone i know. was told by one that pro athletes think they’re warriors, train like ass, and still get to do shaving cream commercials with all the girls for taking second place. he doesn’t have that luxury. he takes second place and comes home in a box.
nice work Sandy!!
By Sandy Sommer RKC on Jun 26, 2010 | Reply
Mark,
Thanks for stopping by again! Too much time is wasted on low return workouts.
Train with purpose,
Sandy Sommer RKC
By Mark A on Jun 26, 2010 | Reply
Sandy,
I’ve been inspired by your blog to simplify my approach, just yesterday the phrase “simple but not easy” kept going through my head.
I do have one question, I’m starting a PTTP cycle and I’m wondering if it’s counter-productive to continue my kettlebell work as well (this is my first return to the deadlift in years).
Great stuff, thanks!
By C.J. Brown on Jun 26, 2010 | Reply
Sandy,
Well said. I constantly make great strides when I aim to master the basics, then revisit the basics, then master the basics again. I always reap the most benefits when I follow the “less is more” principle. Thanks for the reminder.
By Sandy Sommer RKC on Jun 26, 2010 | Reply
Dear Mark,
When I first started to dead lift last summer after a 25 + year break I limited my kettlebell work. I didn’t cut it out completely but certainly scaled back. Now I do about the same kb work as pre dead lift.
Hope that helps:)
Sandy Sommer RKC
By Yusuf on Jun 26, 2010 | Reply
That’s outstanding Sandy. Short simple workouts with results we all want to have. Great example to show that anyone has the time to have a very high level of fitness and vitality.
By Sandy Sommer RKC on Jun 27, 2010 | Reply
You are correct Yusuf. I can’t think of anyone who couldn’t workout the way I do. It’s simple, fast and effective for me at least.
Train with purpose,
Sandy Sommer RKC