The longer I’m around the fitness game, the more I realize how hard it must be for a new client or athlete to discern what “really works.”

After all, you’ve got people in the strength game saying you only need to squat, bench and deadlift.

On the other hand, there are people that are claiming you should be front squatting, alternating dumbbell benching and trap bar deadlifting.

Others still might say that you should focus on single-leg squats, push-ups, and chin-ups to show real strength.

So what gives?

Who’s right?

And the crazy thing here is that’s just one example from one subset of fitness!

Now think about speed training: Should you be focusing on jumps and throws?

Micro-dosing your sprint training?

Making sure that everything you do in your speed training is competitive and truly reactive in nature?

And now we know we absolutely have to test every single-time our client are in the gym, right?

Should you use force plates? Or will a Vertec work?

What about our old trusty jump mats – can’t we just use those?

And the risk of rambling here, I’ll get to my point:

Whether we’re talking about training or testing, the fact of the matter is we’d be well served to pick ONE THING and stick to it long enough to determine if it works or not.

For example, if you want to push your strength and have determined the squatting, benching and deadlifting are your go-to exercises, GREAT!

Now stick with them for 6, 9, or maybe even 12 months to really push your numbers and see what kind of changes you can make.

The same goes for any sort of training or modality you want to choose, because as the incomparable Dan John said:

Everything works…but nothing works forever. – Dan John

The biggest issue I see these days in training and testing alike is FOMO (fear of missing out).

A client is dead set on getting stronger – until they see someone leaner three weeks later, and immediately want to jump ship and get on a fat loss program.

So whether it’s getting shredded, building muscle, improving your movement quality, getting stronger, or regaining your lost athleticism…

…whatever goal you choose, sell out and make it your primary focus for an extended period of time.

I’d love to hear how it works out for you!

All the best,
MR