Sep '24 in Fitness
Is variety the key to consistency in fitness?
I'm 39 years old. I started doing CrossFit when I was 36 and BJJ (Brazilian jiu-jitsu) when I was 37. Before that, I spent years at a fairly standard gym, but I was looking for a change. Currently, a normal week for me is going to the gym about 5 times (sometimes 6, sometimes 4): 2 to 3 days at the standard gym, 1 or 2 days at CrossFit, and 1 day at BJJ. There are a number of potential criticisms of this- "You'll never really progress at BJJ going only once a week," or "You'll miss out on the intentional programming at CrossFit if you don't go more often," or "You're targeting muscle groups so infrequently with random days at a regular gym," among others.
As time goes on, I'm less confident those criticisms are accurate, but even if they are, this more varied routine is something I'm really enjoying. Some weeks, due to work and other factors, I miss going to CrossFit and/or BJJ. My days at the standard gym involve usually a barbell movement initially (squats, front squats, deadlifts, or romanian deadlifts), followed by a variety of movements, 4 or 5 sets for each, not really planned in advance. Each day, I usually do just one and at most two movements for a given muscle group- avoiding the "chest day, arm day," etc. mindset which often leads to diminishing returns on a given day due to "junk volume" for a muscle group as I learned from a great coach.
There's a lot more I could say about CrossFit, but overall, it's the best combination of strength and cardio I've ever found. For BJJ- it was something which was way outside my prior experiences and comfort zone. It also incorporates a lot of mobility and core strength in ways I didn't anticipate.
There can definitely be value in following a more consistent and specific fitness program/routine. But there can also be value in mixing things up. What do you think? What has worked or hasn't worked for you?
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4 comments
• Sep '24
Welcome Kyle. This year I got super serious into bjj as well. I do that 3 times a week. For me to be able to do that I lift 6 times a week taking off the sabbath most times. I focus on compound lifts. I try and strengthen my joints, abs, and grip the most. I work cardio in lifts by super setting. I feel this simulates a roll. I like to take long breaks. I’m blessed to have a home gym that allows this. Kettlebells, sled push/pull, and pull/chin ups seems to work those good. Also in bjj I don’t always roll a lot because I’ve over done it in the past and got burnt out. It seems like you found your pace as well. I have to work on lifts you do like squats deadlifts and zerchers.
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• Sep '24
Now I think about it the way I lift probably is more CrossFit like😂. So definitely would agree it helps out
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• Sep '24
Thanks for sharing, Loghan! Sounds like you've taken the time for sure to figure out what works well for you. Also, very good call not overdoing it with BJJ, because I think that's a common mistake. Even just taking part in it very part time for the past 2 years, I've noticed guys who start very enthusiastic and plann to go to the classes multiple times a week, and they tend to be gone relatively quickly. Certainly the higher frequency might work for some, but not for all, and it can be difficult not to fall into all-or-nothing thinking.
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• Sep '24
Exactly. The top guys who train every day still go they just train the way they feel. I think it’s better to go to class learn the moves and if that’s all I feel like doing I won’t roll. I think it’s definitely helped. Do you have a fav sub?
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Kyle W
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Is variety the key to consistency in fitness?
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