Simple Things Done Well

Some of the best exercises and the really simple ones. Like a squat. Or a push up We get so caught up in trying to get creative  and challenge our balance, strength and coordination and we tend to over complicate things. For example a single arm and leg burpee lateral broad jump...it takes you longer to work out what you have to do then physically doing it!

The ones that are simple are the ones that are most easily remember and the ones that are done properly and effectively. Less variables, less to get wrong, better success rate. Take a look at Zumba - over the top crazy dance routines that require more coordination then a cow walking down stairs (fun fact - a cow cannot walk downstairs!) to be done properly. Over complicated and look where that took it? However Step Classes, still going strong...simply because all you do is step up and then back down again...adding a few things in once you have mastered the basics.

Last night training, the was a couple of things we did that were so simple, yet super effective! The first one, ten sets of ten push ups. Sounds simple. One hundred push ups? Not so simple. Starting off with your basic push ups knees onto toes, into hand release and as the simple became effective we added in a slight variation, but still stuck to the basic push up. Shoulders were shot!

The next one, hamstring curls on a fitball. You lie on your back, lift your butt and roll the ball in and out. Nothing to it. Except the insane burn on your hamstrings while you are trying to defy gravity and the rock solid core you need to keep the ball moving in the same direction. Simple done well, painfully well.

Sometimes it's just good to go back to basics. And not just always when it comes to your training. Life is complicated these days. We communicate on the phone, text message, facebook, email, whatsapp...what ever happened to pen and paper (we went green that's what). You can order a coffee with an extra shot, soy milk, topped up, decaff, extra hot, deconstructed, reconstructed...its insane. Simple is uncomplicated and easily understood. It's good to get simple things done well.