Getting or staying fit and strong does not have to be complicated or time consuming to be effective.  If you’re pressed for time or simply want to revert to a bare bones approach to fitness then minimalist training could be for you.

 

A more minimalist approach to training has many benefits but some that jump out include:

 

1) You Eliminate the Unnecessary

A minimalist training approach demands zeroing in on the exercises that will give you the most ‘bang for your buck’.  You have to take a 80/20 approach, really concentrate on the big exercises and eliminate the fluff.

In the case of strength training it means more time on full body moves (clean and presses, squats, deadlifts, chin ups etc) and less (or preferably no time) on curls and kick backs!

In the case of cardio it means sprints and other basics.

 

2) You’re In and Out

When you pare exercise down to the essential your exercise sessions don’t take long.  You’re in and out and can complete a full body workout before some other folk are done with their warm up!

This also means you can fit your workouts into your life rather than trying to fit your life around your workouts.

 

3) Focus

Minimalist and basic sessions make it easy to keep your focus.  How much easier is it to stay focused if your whole workout session comprises of only 2-4 exercises rather than 10 or more?!

Stay tuned for part 2 when we will rattle through more minimalist training benefits.