KNIVES VS. MISSILES
“If you put a group of the most successful strength coaches in one room and their students in another, the students wouldn’t agree on any training philosophy or principle, whereas the coaches would agree on almost everything.”
At Hardbody Athlete, we’ve observed that people often focus too much on the differences between coaching philosophies rather than the similarities. Yet, the real value lies in the common principles that all successful coaches agree upon. Frequency, intensity, and overload are foundational training principles that every effective coach supports. Similarly, compound free weight exercises form the cornerstone of any robust strength program.
One key insight is that a subpar program executed with good form and intensity will outperform a perfect program performed with poor form and zero intensity.
Recently, Mike Boyle highlighted that many people want to subscribe to a training philosophy but few take the time to develop one. This resonated with us and prompted a reflection on how we developed our training philosophy at Hardbody Athlete and how we can help others do the same.
A training philosophy is shaped by your own observations, experiences, and studies. It’s about using what works and discarding what doesn’t, a principle championed by Bruce Lee.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At Hardbody Athlete, we don’t limit ourselves to one methodology. We’re not just the functional training gym, the Olympic lifting gym, or the Westside gym. We’re a results-driven facility that uses whatever tools and methods deliver the best results in the least amount of time.
Here are some key ideas that have shaped our philosophy and can help you develop your own:
1 – LOOK AT THE MAJORITY
Most people, most of the time, respond best to total body workouts or upper/lower splits. This approach has proven effective for around 80-90% of the population, 80-90% of the time. It’s crucial to understand that while this works for the majority, there will always be exceptions.
For example, an advanced, genetically gifted bodybuilder may not benefit from a total body routine, but a 40-year-old beginner training twice a week will.
2 – THINK OF THE AVERAGE (BECAUSE THAT’S WHERE THE BIG PICTURE IS)
Focus on what works for the average person. A drug-free individual with a job or school will need to train differently than a steroid-using athlete with six days a week to train. For the average person, working a muscle more than once a week and avoiding back-to-back weight training sessions often yields the best results.
3 – RESPECT THE LAWS OF PHYSIOLOGY
Training is a physiological stimulus. You must have a physiological basis for your training philosophy. For instance, overload is necessary for progress. A training program without overload or proper intensity won’t be effective.
4 – IT’S NOT ABOUT EQUIPMENT
A tool isn’t a training philosophy. Kettlebells, Swiss balls, chains, and sandbags are just tools. They are not philosophies. Your training philosophy should be based on the human body and its needs, not on the equipment available.
5 – TIME MANAGEMENT COMES FIRST
Real-world time commitments should shape your philosophy. Most people have limited time to train, so it’s crucial to design programs that fit into their schedules. Using alternating sets rather than straight sets can maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
6 – KNOW WHAT “ADVANCED” REALLY IS
An advanced program is only for advanced individuals. A beginner or intermediate trainee doesn’t need the same program as an elite athlete. Tailor your philosophy to the individual’s level and needs.
7 – STAND ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS
Learn from those who came before you. Respect the experiences and insights of seasoned coaches. Steal, modify, and adapt their knowledge to fit your context.
8 – FORM IS KING
Proper technique is paramount. Good form should be the foundation of every exercise. Poor form not only reduces effectiveness but also increases the risk of injury.
9 – EXERCISE SELECTION
Have a clear hierarchy of exercises. Prioritize compound movements and ensure you target all primary movement patterns: squat, lunge, bend, push, pull, and twist. This ensures balanced development and functional strength.
10 – TIVO THE WORKOUT
Eliminate the BS from your workouts. Streamline your routines by timing rest periods, sequencing exercises efficiently, and cutting out redundant movements. This allows you to either shorten your workouts or make room for additional beneficial exercises.
11 – ASSESS, ASSESS, ASSESS
Continuously assess your progress. If your program isn’t yielding results, it’s time for a change. Keep detailed records and refine your approach based on what works and what doesn’t.
12 – TWEAK, TWEAK, TWEAK
Individualize your philosophy. Understand where you or your clients are starting from and adjust accordingly. Regular feedback and adjustments are crucial for continuous improvement.
SUMMARY
At Hardbody Athlete, we believe in developing a training philosophy first and a program second. Focus on the basic training principles and laws of physiology. Analyze your goals and objectives, then put the pieces together.
In closing, remember Bruce Lee’s wisdom: “Use no way as way, use no limitation as your limitation.” Liberate yourself from rigid thinking and embrace a flexible, results-driven approach.