Training vs. Workouts – Why Weight Loss Is Not Trained Properly

What’s the difference between workouts and training?

This is my interpretation of it: Training can have workouts, but workouts don’t always become training.

To be training, you must have a goal to Train for. Ironically a great deal of the population has a goal of losing weight, but they don’t look at alternative performance based goals, so they lose their motivation when they fail to see results.

Think of this as an equation.

Goal = Weight loss

Weight loss = Time + Work

Work = Exercise + Nutrition

See how the goal requires several other levels to work effectively to see the result? Most people will tell you they lose motivation when they don’t see results.

Now what if we stay focused on the work portion. If we consider we are training to be better at something in an exercise movement (Squats, Bench, Jumping, Running…etc) that we can see improvements, we can see results of the process much faster and ensure we stay motivated.

Steps to follow:
#1 A specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely goal. (SMART goal setting)
#2 A consistent plan that gets you to that SMART goal.
#3 Mindset to push yourself to achieve more based on performance.

So many people find themselves going to the gym just to get a sweat. They take this class or they take that class. They lift these weights for a little while and then try this machine. And then two months go by and they find themselves in the exact same position. This is what I consider working out.

Training is knowing your goal, understanding a plan to achieve that measurable goal, using specific performance indicators to set milestones, and ensuring that almost every single exercise moves you towards that goal.

Don’t get me wrong, some days a workout can just be a workout. Sometimes, it just feels good to get a sweat or a pump on. Not even worrying about counting much. Maybe a jog until you just feel a little tired and stop. From someone who trains a lot, this mindset is a nice break. However, more people have to be aware, this road doesn’t lead anywhere.

A casual workout is like going for a drive to clear your mind, but you know there’s no real place to be. Enjoy the ride, but we know it’s just a ride burner fuel. However, in reality we prefer to have a reason to drive our car most of the time. It is easy to get frustrated by not getting results if you don’t train for a specific concept and have a specific plan. Training gives you a purpose, the road map, the mindset, and the destination.

Are you ready to start training for something?