Stop Chasing More: How Better Movement Creates Better Results

“More is not necessarily better. Better is better.” – Julie Newmar

Thought of the Day

This is my annual "better is better" post. For the veterans, it serves as a good reminder, even if you’ve read these words before. Sometimes in training—and in life—the "more is better" mindset can limit our growth. We strive for more hours, grind against the clock for more reps, and sometimes neglect the quality required to level up.

You might have topped the leaderboard, but if you moved poorly, was that the best use of your training? Just because you’re strong enough to reverse curl the bar, does that mean the session will help improve your clean? Today, we’ll discuss this principle in the fitness realm, but try to apply it to other areas of your life. Where do you need to show up as your best self—not just in volume but in quality?

In training, there are no winners or losers, only opportunities gained or missed. Back in my Judo days, I had a competitor I often trained and competed with. He was a kind, giant of a man. During training, he would often beat me with crafty moves and sharp execution. But he was never able to beat me in competition. Why? Because training is for learning, while competition is for showcasing your strengths and being your best.

In training, we must be vulnerable, willing to make mistakes, and unafraid to look silly as we improve. If you treat training like competition, you leave a lot of growth on the table. The gym is your playground to improve.

This Week’s Challenge
Step up and be your best training self. Complete all your reps, move your best, and don’t cut corners. If you need help and accountability, reach out to your Empower coach. You might complete fewer reps, but you’ll leave the gym knowing every rep was done well.

Where in your life can you apply this principle of higher quality to show up as your best self? Sometimes, we feel like more time is the solution, but it’s the quality of that time that truly counts.

Tuesday

1.       1 mile run

2.       Barbara

20 pull ups

30 push ups

40 Sit ups

50 Squats

3 min rest

3.       Muscle snatch

1-1-1-1-1

Power snatch

1-1-1-1-1

Squat snatch

1-1-1-1-1

4.       10 rnds

30 sec Floor L-sit

10 Med ball cleans 14/20#

5.       3 rnds

20 alt Lunges

15 Burpees

200m Dbl KB Front rack carry 1/1.5 pood