When I read our PCP email last night, I felt a little shamed. My workouts have always taken me well over an hour to complete. Even worse, I remember seeing a similar email from Patrick early on in the program. Did I slack off somewhere? What the heck have I been doing wrong this whole time?
In resistance training, I tend to focus on slow, controlled movements -- that's certainly been adding time. Have I always kept to the exact rest time between sets? Probably not. And, my habit has been to add a few more reps, or another set if I hadn't quite hit the burn. Hmm. Are all these tactics just adding unnecessary minutes to my routine?
So this morning, I wanted to test the theory and play a game with myself. How quickly can I get through my whole workout, keeping proper form and achieving muscle failure?
With burning muscles and at a heart pumping pace, I made it in just over an hour. It only took me near 60 days to get it right, but I think I've finally hit the true PCP groove and learned the lesson. When aiming for muscle failure, I need to amp up the pace before I start adding reps/sets!
Thanks for the reminder, Patrick -- it's going to make a huge difference these last 30 days!
Those slow reps are good for some things, but for making muscle just working through at a reasonable speed is fine. Like you said, keeping in control with good form is the most important, not the speed.
ReplyDeleteSome days I have to drag myself out to the workout. Then, on those same days... I find about half way through I am enjoying the feel of my muscles giving out or hurting because I know it means the workout is worth it.
ReplyDeleteThis new focus on continuous work to muscle failure is challenging, but there is no denying the feel. The results should be awesome.
As always, pics look great and love you have amped your groove!