Exercising is NOT Training

What’s the difference betwen exercising and training? Many beleive these two words to be synomous with each other. How, there are fundamental differences between the two.

Let’s define each. Exercise is defined as ‘an activity that requires physical effort’. And Training is defined as ‘the action of undertaking a course of exercise and diet in preparation for a sporting event’.

If we were to think about these two activities in connection, we can assume that training is the whole and exercise is what training is composed of. Training is the big picture and exercise is a means to accomplish it.

Are you exercising or training?

I believe that most of us are exercising not training. Why would I assert this? Well, ask yourself if your workouts are part of a larger, cohesive plan or just one that ‘requires physical efffort’?

For example many of the gyms or programs I see do not take into account the overall goal that the individual is trying to accomplish. The person beleives they are getting a good workout becuase he/she is sweating at the end or is sore the next day. Both of these can be great but only if it is part of an overall program.

When is exercising good?

Exercising is great! Exercising definitely beats sitting on the couch binging NetFlix. The novice needs to build the habit of exercising. This is essential for building a healthy lifestyle. However, this is only the beginning. The novice can see results just by consistently exercising. Remember the old adage, ‘Anything is better than nothing’.

Once the novice plateaus and stops seeing results from just exercising, then he/she needs to think about the overall training program. What is the goal that you are trying to accomplish? This is what should direct your next step in your training.

In the beginning, a shotgun effect is typically good enough. As your get closer to your potential, precision becomes much more important.

Depending on your goals, you will adjust your training schedule. I will discuss specificity in other articles.

In conclusion, exercising is great but eventually you will need to train.

Shawn Vicknair