Life Exists on a Spectrum, So Should Your Training
Life is not binary (non-binary, if you will)… it exists on a spectrum.
Being in the queer community I am lucky enough to be surrounded by open minded discourse about the spectrums of sexuality and gender. And, as someone who went from a Kinsey Scale 2 to a 6, I’m well aware of the fluidity along these spectrums as well.
So, how the heck does this relate to training and fitness?
Training is a spectrum
Well, really everything in life sits on a spectrum.
It’s not just night and day it’s:
A.M. Twilight → Morning → Brunch → Afternoon → Happy Hour → Evening → P.M. Twilight → Night.
*Side note: there’s also a cool ass name for the line that separates day and night called the “terminator” (I’m not joking, read about it here)
It’s not just “fit” or “unfit,” it’s:
Injured/Sedentary → Deconditioned → Lightly Active → Moderately Active → Highly Active
Just as we don’t stay at one time of day you’re likely going to fluctuate along a spectrum of training. And training isn’t just a spectrum of fit or unfit, it’s also a spectrum of different training styles, intensities, and phases.
We have different mental and physical needs at any given time; we may choose one part of the spectrum and decide it’s a good fit for a long time while another person finds staying at one end too limiting and will thrive better doing a little bit of everything.
We need to stop thinking of training as all or nothing (fit vs unfit, weightlifter vs long distance runner, HIIT vs steady state cardio, yoga vs pilates) and start thinking about it in terms of what types of training along this spectrum will best help us achieve our goals and bring us enjoyment.
The “good” vs “bad” binary
We have a tendency of deeming exercises and training styles as “good” or “bad” (similarly to certain sexualities and gender identities). But this is a binary thought and completely removes context and intention (both of which are important factors to consider when determining effectiveness).
Instead of thinking “good” or “bad,” we should consider in what context it could be more or less beneficial, finding it somewhere on a spectrum of effectiveness based on the desired outcome, not on “traditional” training standards.
“Traditional” training values
If we are too rigid in our training, we will likely end up getting bored, burnt out, or injured. We may even try to force our bodies to do training that actively impedes our progress, negatively impacts our mental health, leading to pain or injury just because society told us it was the “right thing to do” and if we don’t we’re going to hell– I mean, we won’t make gains and have a hot bod. *sweats in catholic guilt*
If we just follow “traditional” training standards, we miss out on a more expansive and fulfilling training experience, confining ourselves to rigid ideals of what training can and should look like and, for many, sucking the joy out of it.
Just as we need to embrace gender and sexuality as fluid and encompassing various identities that are no more or less valid or valuable, we can do the same with our training.
How to embrace training on a spectrum
Don’t restrict yourself. You’ll actually benefit more from training variety on both a mental and physical level and you’ll be able to determine what styles of training feel and work best for you and your goals.
Ditch binary thinking. Your workout wasn’t “good” or “bad” it actually provided important information so that you can continue to move forward in a more positive, fulfilling direction.
Listen to your body. Your body needs periods of more or less rest and by not listening to your body, we miss pivotal signals that what we’re doing is in opposition to our overall health, training goals, and quality of life.
Before you leave to go implement these concepts…
For the month of June, part of all proceeds made by Alt Mvmnt will be donated to the Trevor Project (an organization dedicated to serving and supporting queer youth). CLICK HERE about how you can help celebrate & support Pride AND your training goals at Alt Mvmnt!
Happy Pride, Ya’ll!🌈
