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In the world of fitness, there’s a lot more to it than just sweating it out in the gym. At IMOC Fitness, we believe in a holistic approach to health and fitness, and that means understanding the difference between “training” and “workouts.” Let’s dive into these concepts and see how they shape our philosophy.
Defining Training and Workouts:
In our gym’s philosophy, “training” isn’t just a casual workout session; it’s a structured, goal-oriented commitment. It’s about long-term progress, tailored to individual needs, and focused on skill acquisition and specific outcomes. On the other hand, “workouts” are those individual exercise sessions that contribute to overall fitness but might not necessarily follow a structured plan or target specific long-term goals.
Exploration vs. Exposure:
Training involves two essential phases: “exploration” and “exposure.” “Exploration” is where individuals are introduced to new movements, techniques, or concepts. It’s a learning phase, a time for understanding one’s body and building a solid foundation. Mistakes are seen as valuable learning opportunities during exploration, and the focus is on mastering the basics.
“Exposure,” on the other hand, is all about challenging oneself with the familiar movements or concepts. It’s about pushing boundaries, increasing intensity, and testing limits—all in a safe environment. In other words, exposure is where you truly discover your capacity and improve based on the training.
Application in Our Sessions:
In our sessions, we incorporate both aspects. Consider the training portion as our strength and accessory sets. For example, a Chest Press with specific objectives focuses on muscle engagement and skill development.
The workout portion aligns with WODs (Workout of the Day) or timed workouts, where clients can put their skills to the test. These workouts challenge you, helping you see your capacity and improvement based on your training. It’s where you set personal records and push your limits.
Balancing Training and Workouts:
Every session at IMOC Fitness combines training and workouts. It’s a holistic approach to fitness, ensuring that you both learn and apply your knowledge. This balance is crucial for progress.
Why Coaches Must Understand Both Concepts:
For coaches, understanding and implementing both exploration and exposure are paramount. Exploration builds a strong foundation, reducing the risk of injuries and maximizing the benefits of training. Exposure pushes clients out of their comfort zones, leading to growth, improved performance, and goal achievement. The balance between the two ensures a comprehensive and effective training experience.
The Sports Analogy:
Think of it like a sports team. Exploration (Training) is akin to practice sessions. It’s where players refine their skills, learn new strategies, and work on weaknesses. Coaches provide feedback, and the team prepares for various scenarios they might face during actual games.
Exposure (Workouts) is the game day. It’s when the team applies everything they’ve learned in practice in a real, competitive setting. Players are tested against opponents, and the focus is on execution, adaptation, and pushing limits.
As a coach, during training, we make corrections and adjustments, just like during practice. During workouts, we observe, identify weaknesses, and let our clients go to work without getting in their way.
In conclusion, at IMOC Fitness, we believe that understanding the difference between training and workouts, and the balance between exploration and exposure, is essential for your holistic fitness journey. It’s not just about breaking a sweat; it’s about mastering the art of training and applying it in your workouts for lasting progress and results.
