The Problem with Numbers

As we become more invested in our training, hitting new PRs, lifting more weight in our workouts, and having the fastest times often sneak into our focus. While this isn’t always a bad thing, it can sometimes become thought-consuming and detrimental to your overall mindset. Here are a few things to try to focus on in the gym rather than assessing yourself based solely on numbers:

1. Your Technique. We’ve all guilty of it. We hit a new one rep max on our clean and it looks UGLY (rounded back, knee cave, toesy, etc.). Does it “count”? Sure, but its definitely not how we want to move on a consistent basis. For most of us, fitness and overall health is the main goal for our training. Moving well is going to help us get there quicker than moving faster or moving more weight.
2. Your Health. How does your body feel? Are you consistently battling injuries, aches, and pains? The goal is to feel strong and unbreakable through our training. Next time you hit a PR, pay attention to how it feels later on and ask yourself if it’s worth it. If you are addressing you deficiencies, mobility limitations, and listening to your body, you will keep yourself healthy and on the right track. Never let the end goal of a weight, time, or record put you in a position where you need to take time away from training.
3. Your Mental Game. What’s your self-talk like during training? Are you constantly doubting yourself or are you feeding yourself affirmations? Its important to assess your mental game: how you are attacking each day, what you are doing well, and where you can improve.
4. Your Energy. Are you encouraging others around you? Do you help out the newbies in your classes or are you too focused on your own performance? You get what you put out. By providing positive energy in the gym you will enhance not only the environment, but also your own experience!
5. Your Effort. Are you “gaming” some of your workouts? Or do you focus on completing a workout as fast as possible or completing as many reps as you can? If you’re consistently breaking sets or not pushing as hard as you can, you are likely lacking intensity. Sometimes its important to be strategic, but remember not to hold back and cheat yourself!