Principles versus tactics...

Principle: “a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system”

Tactic: “A tactic is a conceptual action or short series of actions with the aim of achieving of a short-term goal.”

Over the last few days it could be said that the owners of the football clubs who tried to create the European Super League were more concerned about short term tactics than the long held principles of sport.

For example I would have considered competition to be a principle of elite sport. I.e. You can’t just get together with a few of your cronies and decide your group is going to be the best forever.

Kind of reminds me of the tactics quite often used to promise people they are going to be in their best shape forever – tactics that are usually effective for about as long as the European Super League proposal lasted.

These tactics can be things such as magic Multi-Level Marketing Pills, starvation diets, very extreme workouts (for people who aren’t ready to take part in them yet) etc.

A much better way to build a sustainable level of fitness is to long – term principles, 3 of which are outlined below:

1. Principle of Individual Differences: This principle outlines that we all have differing genetic blueprints. This is very useful to know, especially if you’re looking at some ripped social media influencer who talks about their “5 minute routines” for perfect abs.

We are all also different in what we look for from fitness routines, so bear in mind and be clear about both your own starting point and what you want to achieve when you begin your program.

2. SAID Principle: SAID stands for “Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands”. So once you are clear on the results you’re looking for, you need to train in the right manner for you to achieve those results. For example if you’re looking for bigger muscles, doing marathon training wouldn’t be a great idea. This is where getting help from a Coach/Gym Group can be very useful.

3. Progressive Overload Principle: This principle really reminds me of Spurs thinking they should be in a Super League. Basically it means you don’t get something for nothing. In order for you to gain strength, muscle or endurance from training you must exercise against a resistance greater than that “normally” encountered.

Once you’re clear on your starting point, targets and the program you’re going to follow, you go after it and force your body to adapt by consistently forcing yourself to extend your comfort zone, lifting a bit heavier, running a bit further and working to hit the targets that you’re hopefully very excited about hitting.

Then you rest and recover to allow your body to adapt between workouts.

Ultimately when choosing to go about getting into great shape you can take the short cut, make some limited progress and end up losing your results as quickly as Liverpool lost their premier league title.

Or you can play the long game, use the principles above and look at improving everything from your longevity, energy, confidence and appearance for good – while enjoying the process.

And if you need help coming up with the right program for your individual differences, send me a DM saying “Super Fitness” and I’ll let you know how I can help…