Top 5 Reasons Your Training Program Can Fail

There are many reasons your training program can fail you but before we delve into that I would like to clarify we are talking about training specific to sport not "working out".  And although these 5 reasons we will mention below can be relevant to why your "workout" program fails, we are targeting this discussion at sport specific training.  

Let's begin with what we believe the difference between "working out" and training is.  A lot of people "workout", which is great especially in this time of a growing obesity epidemic, but "working out" is different from training.  You can work out to get fit and healthy by participating in group fitness classes, running/jogging on a treadmill, weight training, or playing a sport recreationally.  All of those things are important, valuable and worthwhile to preventing illness, weight gain, and stress.  We need health clubs, participants desiring general fitness improvements, and the variety of exercise programs we all have access to both in home and at gyms.  While all important it is not the same as training...

For a long time I worked out.  I religiously lifted weights, taught Turbokick, and did "cardio" regularly.  And everyone that knew me would say I was in great shape and I would agree.  I worked hard for results.  I was really good at "working out", but I had no goal or purpose...I wasn't training.  This is where I see the difference between "working out" and training.  About a year ago I started training and in the past 6 months have dramatically changed my overall training routine.  I have a goal and a purpose.  I am a boxer and I train to fight! And as a result am in the best shape of my life.  Even before I made the decision to compete, I began altering my exercise regimen.  My previous aesthetics and health driven routine heavily focused on weight lifting shifted to one focused on skills training, conditioning enhancement, and building multi-faceted strength.  No more lifting heavy weights 3 times a week...I began training to fight!

Working out = general fitness, overall health, weight loss/maintenance

Training = goals, purpose, focus on performance vs. body/weight loss

When I train I don't focus on my body shape, size or weight, I focus on training to win.  I focus on skill development, improving my conditioning, my stamina, my endurance, my speed and power.  What my body looks like is a result of my focus and attention to training what is important to my sport.  

Training is not for everybody! Many people enjoy working out...they have fun, they love moving their body, trying new things, and staying fit.  Other people enjoy training whether its recreational or competitive in nature.  

I mention all this to say that training, especially for combat sports, involves a complex training routine and many fighters fail to understand how to design their programs and in turn fail to succeed in and out of the ring.  If you are a fighter, don't confuse lifting weights at the local XSport or Lifetime with training and then expect to be at the top of your game when you come to the boxing gym to spar or at your next match to compete.  Fighter's training involves multiple dimensions and you need to train...not simply work out! 

Okay so when it comes to training here are what we believe to the be top 5 reasons your training can fail:

1. Not following the instruction, guidance, and routine set by your coach

2. Not having a goal

3. Not being patient with the program and your progress

4. Overcomplicating the process

5. Not having a workout partner, no accountability

Each of these 5 reasons your training can fail may seem simple at first glance and I'm sure obvious.  But what Coach Bob and I see often is that these are the 5 things that get in a fighters way on the road to success.  In my upcoming blog entries I will delve a little deeper into each of these 5 reasons in hopes that understanding each will help you avoid these pitfalls and propel you forward towards success!

If you need a place to train, a coach to give you guidance, a purpose for your training, accountability, and support don't hesitate to stop by Warrior Fighting Sports & Fitness and see if you are the training facility for you!