The first question most people have when they start working towards a goal is “how much time it will take?”
This is especially true when it comes to fitness, and almost always comes up as soon as I begin with a new client who has ambitious goals. My job is to make sure we set realistic expectations from the get-go.
But even with more realistic expectations, the truth is that in fitness it’s impossible to predict exactly when you will achieve your goal. This doesn’t stop us from guesstimating to provide some level of comfort. After all, it can serve to justify taking immediate action to move forward…or not.
Having a timeline is a good thing in that it can be a motivating factor and a way to measure progress. But it shouldn’t be the driving force to get you to your goal, because the focus on the time it takes to reach your goal is a potential set-up for disappointment.
And it’s a definite distraction from the more important granular aspects of time – that is in terms of how you spend it. It’s this that has the strongest influence on your potential results.
Time is precious! We are all given the same 24 hours in the day to work with. So when it’s not used wisely, we cheat ourselves of opportunity.
So what you do with your time is what’s important.
That’s why optimal timing matters on every level of your health and fitness structure. And it differs depending your goal. Losing body fat, building muscle, improving strength, and improving athletic performance each have unique parameters…with some crossover here and there.
Optimal timing allows you to create the distinction between quality and quantity. It supports an efficient and effective process for you to make quicker and long-lasting progress.
Here are three common missed timing opportunities in and around your workouts:
Adequate recovery time between workouts and sets is crucial. Too much or too little time can be the difference between meaningful gains and injury. Timing needs to be on-point to maximize the benefits of your effort and the results of future efforts.
The timing of your repetition tempo determines whether you’re building strength or power. Emphasis on going slower, faster, or inserting pauses along an exercise movement produce outcome-specific results. You need to know what these are and how to adjust your repetition tempo to meet your goals.
Nutrient timing can influence your energy producing and body repair capabilities. Meals too close or too far apart lead to a sluggish workout. They can also have a negative impact on your body composition. Know what to eat and when to maximize your results.
The reality is there are a number of variables to consider to determine correct timing. I’m not suggesting that you must take on all matters of timing immediately. That’s way too overwhelming.
Try choosing one area each month to focus on to improve your awareness to your time.
Of course it’s best to choose the one area that will have the most significant impact on your goal. To do that, start by assessing where you may be falling short or overdoing it in key areas.
The timing parameters that I’ve incorporated into my science-based programs are all outcome-specific. It’s a huge part of the confidence that I have in helping my members get amazing and long-lasting results in the right time.
The “30-Day Get Lean Challenge” provides all the timing details. I make it simple to follow so that you get the results you’re looking for.
If you don’t pay attention to time, there’s a good chance that you’re not only wasting time, you’re also wasting the opportunity to have quicker and longer-lasting results.
As they say, timing is everything,
Adam