We all love the thrill of mastering complex lifts, smashing PRs, and pushing through WODs. But here’s the truth: the real magic often happens in the simplest actions. It’s not always about the heavy lifts or complex movements—it’s the basics, done well, that separate the good from the great.
We tend to complicate solutions to our problems, often as a way of guarding ourselves from our own laziness or procrastination. If we believe a problem requires a complex solution, we’re less likely to hold ourselves accountable. But in reality, most problems have pretty simple solutions. In this three-part series, we’ll take a look at some basic strategies to improve our fitness and health.
Working Out
Most of you already do well in this category. But if you’re not coming in consistently 2-3 times per week, that’s the first step. Let’s assume, though, that you’re already consistent. Here are two areas where I see room for improvement:
- Being more intentional
- Moving better
Yes, we preach the power of consistency, but at some point, consistency needs to become intentional consistency. If you’re just checking the box day after day, don’t expect major progress. For example, if you’ve been doing the same workout level for a year, it may be time to push for the next level—or even just bring a bit more intensity by 5-10%. This doesn’t mean spending more time in the gym, but being more intentional with each workout, which can lead to better results.
Want Better Results? Move Better
A common belief is that simply spending more time on cardio or lifting will lead to better WODs. However, one of the most impactful, low-hanging fruits is improving your movement quality. This may seem less exciting than lifting heavier weights or cranking out sweaty rows, but moving better means you’re more efficient with each rep. That efficiency translates to less wasted energy, which results in better workouts overall.
In the short term, improving movement quality might mean lowering the weight or slowing down your reps, but the long-term payoff is worth it. Just look at the top CrossFitters in the world—they all move extremely well. You think that’s by accident?
I’m personally going through this process myself, retooling movements where I’ve cut corners just to lift heavier. Since making this shift, I feel less beat up and more motivated to train each day than in years past.
Next week, we’ll turn our attention to nutrition.
Keep It Simple, Stay Consistent