Do I Need to Follow a Fitness Training Program to Get Results? - Blog Copy

BLOG TITLE: Do I Need to Follow a Fitness Training Program to Get Results?

Many people who are thinking about becoming active have the same question:

“Do I need to follow a fitness program to get results?”

I’ll lay out the answer for you below so you can get the best return on your investment in movement.

SUBHEAD: What Are Fitness Programs and Why Are They Important?

If you look online, you’ll find a host of fitness programs. Some are proprietary and backed by huge marketing campaigns, and some are very general.

For example, CrossFit, Orangetheory Fitness and F45 are trademarked programs, while high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and other generic strength-and-conditioning programs are not trademarked.

You can find great options in both categories—a program is not necessarily better because it’s advertised on a billboard.

With that said, all programs share one similar feature: They are all designed to help someone accomplish a specific goal.

Some programs are designed to build strength, some increase endurance, some add lean muscle, and so on. Some blended programs are designed to create well-rounded fitness without focusing on any one element too much.

Each program will come with its own set of movements, equipment, principles and protocols.

For example, bodybuilding programs generally have you using machines, dumbbells and barbells to train specific muscle groups by performing 3-5 sets of 8-10 reps, with limited rest between sets. Common movements include dumbbell chest presses, lat pulldowns and leg presses. The goal: Adding lean muscle.

With HIIT, the focus is on shorter bursts of intense movements that drive heart rate up. The workouts often include “intervals”: you work very hard for a period—30 seconds to 4 minutes is a common range—and then take a brief rest so you can go hard again. Common movements include burpees, push-ups and squats. The goal: burn fat and calories while increasing cardiovascular fitness and, to a lesser extent, muscle strength.

These are just two examples of the many programs you can find in the world of fitness.

SUBHEAD: So Do You Need a Fitness Program?

Yes, it’s best to follow some sort of fitness program.

That’s not to say general movement is bad. If you’re just starting to become active, doing anything at all is a great start! Walking, gardening, playing recreational sports are all great options.

But if you want to make steady progress toward your specific goals, it’s best to choose a fitness program that will ensure you’re doing the right things.

For example, if your goal is to run in a local 5-km race in eight months, it would be a mistake to just walk for 20 minutes a day or use a powerlifting program that involves lifting very heavy weights for 1-3 reps.

Similarly, a rowing program (on water or using machines) will build endurance and stamina but won’t help you add much lean muscle—a common goal for many people.

Weight loss—one of the most common goals in the gym—usually requires a program that involves a combination of strength training, conditioning and healthy habits.

Key point: You must use the right program to get the results you want.

SUBHEAD: An Expert Can Help You Pick the Right Program

If you’ve ever worked out before, did you accomplish your goals?

If not, do you think the workouts you were doing were the right solution for your problems?

It’s very common for people to select general workouts or a random program and get frustrated when they don’t make progress. And that isn’t their fault—most people just don’t know how to pick the right program.

What to do? How many times a week? For how long? It can be a lot to consider.

That’s where a fitness expert comes in.

If you want to get the best results possible in the shortest amount of time, meet with an expert, lay out your goals and find out exactly how to accomplish them.

We consult with people all the time and recommend training plans to help them lose weight, add muscle, drop fat and increase cardiovascular fitness.

If you’re unsure what fitness program to follow, we’d be happy to answer all your questions and help you find a program that’s perfect for you.

To meet with an experienced coach, book a free consultation here today [LINK]!