[vc_row height=”huge” width=”full” us_bg_image_source=”media” us_bg_image=”11133″][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1571868856320{background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Workouts should differ only by intensity, not by kind” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1571869128476{background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Workouts should differ only by intensity, not by kind” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:50|text_align:left|color:%232f2f2f” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][us_separator size=”small”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]It is often thought that each individual requires a totally individualized program to achieve results. 

Often we will get asked “But what about me”?, “what workout is best for me”?

Which can be true and relevant for some, in particular those on either end of the ability spectrum (total novice / physical dominance), however, those looking for physical competence in transforming the way they look, move and feel should differ their workouts only by intensity, not by kind. 

By this, we mean that all people have the capacity to and should be performing the same (or similar) workout principles, however, should adjust the variables to match their ability.  

Of course there will be variations to the movements, scaled number of reps and more than likely different load prescriptions for each person, however, everybody’s workouts should have an element of high intensity that is relevant to THEIR ability.

Intensities, modalities and total training volume can and should always be varied to elicit the desired response for the individual, by putting yourself in a certain umbrella and neglecting certain training principles because of your gender, skill level or body composition you will miss out on the desired outcomes of the program. 

Knowing that most people have a desire to lose/maintain their body fat % and maintain/grow lean muscle mass for both performance and aesthetic properties, whilst learning and developing new skills, we can assume that they would all benefit from these 3 variables. 

1. High Intensity / low volume (high weight, low reps) 

E.g. 5 x 3 Back squats at 90% of 1 Rep Max 

• Medium Intensity / Medium Volume (medium weight / medium reps and sets) 

E.g. 8 x 8 Push press at 65 % of 1 rep max 

• Low intensity / High Volume (low weight/ high reps) with limited rest:

E.g. A metabolic conditioning workout like Fran (21, 15, 9 Thrusters and burpees) or perhaps 4 x 12 bulgarian split squats / bent over rows at 30% of 1 rep max. 

The current research points towards (1) promoting high muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and high CNS neuro-muscular output, (2) leading towards downstream signalling of Muscle Protein Synthesis and myofibrillar hypertrophy and (3) leading towards aerobic, anaerobic and metabolic conditioning.

From experience, we have seen that most people will elicit the rep schemes of (3) in their training, however, lack the intensity that promotes the metabolic conditioning aspects, therefore leaving them in no-man’s land. 

Neither creating enough volume to promote MPS or enough intensity to promote a metabolic response, thus leaving their workout nothing more than an acute caloric expenditure. 

So, how do you make sure you are maximising your time in the gym for more effective results?

1. Scale workouts to suit your strength and ability, however make sure you elicit the desired response and outcome of that intensity threshold. I.e. relative intensity 
2. Include movements which promote multiple joints (compound lifts) throughout large ranges of motions. Think full depth squats & locked out presses.
3. Whilst also incorporating isolation movements to promote structure and stability of the finer motor skills.
4. If you’re new to this, start by seeking physical competence before physical dominance. Develop good motor patterns and high skill acquisition before searching for increased load/ intensity. Vary your intensity using other principles like tempo and rest periods etc. 

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