by Coach Tommy
Quick fun fact!
District H opened in 2012 as a CrossFit affiliate. At the time, we believed that constantly varied, functional movements at a high intensity were what best served our community here in the Houston Heights.
Over time, we evolved our thinking in terms of what would help our clients become the very best versions of themselves.
In 2020, we officially parted ways with CrossFit. We found the methodology and brand had significant flaws that didn’t necessarily align with our core values as a business and how we wanted to serve people.
But to give credit where credit is due, CrossFit was really good at a couple of critical elements to fitness. The biggest that comes to mind is novelty.
Let’s face it, when it comes to exercise, you have to enjoy what you are doing, or you are not going to do it for very long.
The constant variance associated with CrossFit meant that every day was going to be different. Different lifts, different skills, and different energy systems trained keep our clients excited and motivated to come back and do more.
This week we have been talking about motivation, and one of the critical elements of motivation is developing competency.
You are naturally more motivated to do things you are good at, and competency stimulates confidence and self-efficacy.
In a 2017 research paper entitled “the reinforcing value and liking of resistance training and aerobic exercise as predictors of adult’s physical activity,” researchers found that competence and reinforcing value in activities such as exercise, drug use, overeating, and gambling predicts engaging in the activity more powerfully than just simply “liking” the activity.
Wanting to get better at something through developing competency also releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is the drug that makes us feel pleasure.
Here are two ways to develop competency in your fitness routine:
- Research: Learn proper technique and overall benefits of using free weights or learning the main lifts of the squat, press, and deadlift. Learn why relative intensity will lead to overall metabolic function and longevity. Stay up to date on the latest research regarding nutrition. Learn tips and tricks for doing specific skills like kipping pull-ups or double unders with a jump rope. All of these things will help you “buy in” to the workout routine that you will do at District H.
- Track Progress: tracking progress helps you highlight your results. At District H, we like to track EVERYTHING. That includes body composition, weights lifted, and times on specific workouts that we retest throughout the year. All of this is to help you see the progress you are making with your health and wellness and build faith that you are on the right track.
At District H, we want to help you be motivated to be your best self. The workouts have novelty to keep things exciting and help you develop competency in the movements and workouts.
Tomorrow, we will cover the topic of goal setting and why the “SMART” approach to goals is outdated and needs an upgrade.
If you are ready to start your FREE 1-on-1 initial consultation, feel free to book an appointment using the link below.
Have a great Wednesday.
Tommy