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Know the difference: how training, exercising differ

Jimmy Pritchard
Make it Count

Before you enter the gym, tie your running shoes or hop on a bike, ask yourself one simple question. Are you training, or exercising? Many people will not ask themselves this question, and even fewer will know the difference. Most importantly, why does it matter?

Simply put, exercise is what you do when you’re looking to produce a short-term goal. If you desire to get sweaty, exhausted and sore for no particular reason, then you’re exercising. When you think more is better, but you look, feel, and perform the exact same as a year ago; then I can guarantee you’re just exercising. There is nothing wrong with simply exercising, but it is foolish to believe that it will lead you achieving of your goals. Any fool can design a program that makes your heart pound through your chest, and butt so sore that you struggle to sit down. It requires focus and attention to detail to adhere to a training program with specific goals. People have been misled today into thinking that every session should leave you in a pool of sweat and gasping for air.

What makes training different is that you are building towards a specific goal, long term. This can something as simple as squatting 300 pounds, losing 10 pounds, or jumping 5 inches higher. Knowing your goal allows you to program accordingly. When you train, you get in and get out of the gym as soon as you’re done. You leave feeling refreshed and more energetic than when you started. You’re never looking to “do more,” rather you’re looking to do better. Training per your goals will leave you with a sense of accomplishment rather than looking to survive another grueling exercise session.



I encourage you to evaluate your current routine, and ask yourself if it resembles any of the goals you desire to achieve. If you constantly feel exhausted and hate what you’re doing, then you’re doing it wrong. Don’t be afraid to seek guidance from a skilled professional to get you on track towards your goals. I hope this article resonates with those of you out there struggling with this. Thanks for reading and as always have a great week.

“Any fool can design a program that makes your heart pound through your chest, and butt so sore that you struggle to sit down. It requires focus and attention to detail to adhere to a training program with specific goals. People have been misled today into thinking that every session should leave you in a pool of sweat and gasping for air.”

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Jimmy Pritchard has a B.S. from Colorado Mesa University and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is a personal trainer at the Sonnenalp Club and is a fitness professional at ryanrichards.com. Pritchard’s passion is to help others meet, and often exceed their goals in all areas of fitness. Contact him at 970-331-3513.


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