If you're one of the fitness-conscious, you've probably heard of minimalist training. And if you haven't, take note — it's a technique many fitness gurus swear by for several reasons.
First, it doesn't require you to purchase thousands of dollars in workout equipment. Second, there's no need for pricey gym memberships. And third, and most important, minimalist strength training gives you optimal results with the least amount of effort.
By using minimal space, minimal equipment, and investing minimal time, you can actually boost the efficiency of your workouts. Here's what we know about minimalist fitness:
If you've ever worked a job where unlimited overtime was an option, you're already familiar with the premise behind a minimalist fitness program. As an employee, there are only so many hours of overtime you can work before your efforts get eaten up by taxes. Beyond this point, more overtime is fruitless because you won't reap the monetary rewards for your effort on your paycheck.
The same is true of your fitness program!
If you opt for a fanatical routine that eats up hours of your day, you might actually be standing in the way of your own progress. It's better to master a few techniques, focusing on quality of movement and breath control, than it is to blow through series after series of reps with little regard to finesse.
As you begin to cut the clutter from your fitness regimen, you'll find more time to work on quality and mechanics. Focus on mastering simple exercises that train specific muscle groups, and base your fitness routine on three simple elements:
Once you've conquered issues such as contracting, bracing, and breathing, you'll see faster improvement and better progress toward your goals. At the same time, your workouts will become easier and much less complicated. You'll also avoid injury.
Design your minimalist fitness program around your schedule. For many fitness enthusiasts, this means working out between three and four days a week. Focus on different muscles during your routines, and alternate routines on different days to get the most benefit.
For instance, on Monday and Friday, you might want to concentrate on exercises that work your quads, triceps, pectorals, and biceps. On Wednesday, shift focus to your hamstrings, gluteus, rhomboids, and traps. In this way, you'll cycle through all the areas you want to improve without exhausting yourself by trying to push through every exercise every day.
When you adopt a minimalist routine, whether at the gym or during a minimalist home workout, you'll need little in the way of equipment. Cross off that machine that touts itself as a self-contained home gym and opt for simple equipment instead: barbell and plates, pull-up bar, grip socks, and an adjustable bench are enough to get you started.
As you progress, you can add equipment such as kettlebells or parallel dip bars, but these are optional. Your focus should be on learning how to perform each movement properly, which muscles to contract as you lift, and how to breathe properly throughout. Master these basics, and your minimalist strength training will yield surprising results.
First, it doesn't require you to purchase thousands of dollars in workout equipment. Second, there's no need for pricey gym memberships. And third, and most important, minimalist strength training gives you optimal results with the least amount of effort.
By using minimal space, minimal equipment, and investing minimal time, you can actually boost the efficiency of your workouts. Here's what we know about minimalist fitness:
Minimalist Training Works the Maximum Amount of Muscles with the Least Effort
If you've ever worked a job where unlimited overtime was an option, you're already familiar with the premise behind a minimalist fitness program. As an employee, there are only so many hours of overtime you can work before your efforts get eaten up by taxes. Beyond this point, more overtime is fruitless because you won't reap the monetary rewards for your effort on your paycheck.
The same is true of your fitness program!
If you opt for a fanatical routine that eats up hours of your day, you might actually be standing in the way of your own progress. It's better to master a few techniques, focusing on quality of movement and breath control, than it is to blow through series after series of reps with little regard to finesse.
A Minimalist Workout Routine Focuses on Three Basic Elements
As you begin to cut the clutter from your fitness regimen, you'll find more time to work on quality and mechanics. Focus on mastering simple exercises that train specific muscle groups, and base your fitness routine on three simple elements:
- Form and function as you work out
- Compound, multi-joint movement
- Consistent progression
Once you've conquered issues such as contracting, bracing, and breathing, you'll see faster improvement and better progress toward your goals. At the same time, your workouts will become easier and much less complicated. You'll also avoid injury.
How to Begin a Minimalist Workout Routine
Design your minimalist fitness program around your schedule. For many fitness enthusiasts, this means working out between three and four days a week. Focus on different muscles during your routines, and alternate routines on different days to get the most benefit.
For instance, on Monday and Friday, you might want to concentrate on exercises that work your quads, triceps, pectorals, and biceps. On Wednesday, shift focus to your hamstrings, gluteus, rhomboids, and traps. In this way, you'll cycle through all the areas you want to improve without exhausting yourself by trying to push through every exercise every day.
Here's What's Needed to Begin Minimalist Strength Training
When you adopt a minimalist routine, whether at the gym or during a minimalist home workout, you'll need little in the way of equipment. Cross off that machine that touts itself as a self-contained home gym and opt for simple equipment instead: barbell and plates, pull-up bar, grip socks, and an adjustable bench are enough to get you started.
As you progress, you can add equipment such as kettlebells or parallel dip bars, but these are optional. Your focus should be on learning how to perform each movement properly, which muscles to contract as you lift, and how to breathe properly throughout. Master these basics, and your minimalist strength training will yield surprising results.