More training, less competition...
What’s the difference between training and competing? Athletes usually will know this answer.
No matter how hard we push in training, it’s way different when we’re competing. When we train, we are trying to IMPROVE our fitness (strength, speed, cardio, endurance, etc). The goal is to get better, stronger, faster, leaner…
When we compete, on the other hand, our only goal is TO WIN! Would you ever play anything trying to tie?! We want to beat the other team, the other guy/girl across the court, or even ourselves, like beating our last rep max on the back squat or our mile time.
In a competition setting, we are completely focused on the outcome, we don’t necessarily care about movement technique, pacing, managing the loads, etc. Of course, if we could win using perfect technique, we would do that but often, to get that final edge of performance, movement quality is sacrificed.
So when should we compete and when should we train? That depends totally on your goal. If you’re a professional athlete of any sport, you’ll need to compete quite often. And because of that, you need to be aware that you’re demanding more from your body than what’s considered healthy.
Now if your goal is to get healthier (stronger, leaner, fitter), our advice is: you should always train, not compete. Every time you hit the gym, you should approach the workout with the mindset of getting better, and not with the mindset of beating the other guys/girls or even your previous scores and loads.
And don’t get me wrong: I’m not saying in any way that training is easy and you shouldn’t challenge yourself. Training can be really hard and you should put full effort on it, at least if you want to get better.
And guess what happens when you do that? Naturally your numbers improve. You start to run faster, to lift heavier weights and to look better, while also becoming a better mover, more aware of how your body moves.
So if you’re not a pro athlete, always challenge yourself within the parameters of safe movement and loading. Unlike a football player, there is no substitute for you, in case of an injury.
Train more, compete less. You’ll be fitter for longer! Willian Alba
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