by Colin Aina
This statement has been ringing true for me more recently In terms of training, fitness, performance and rehab. Our society is always in the search of "The Best". The BEST way to lose weight, the BEST appliance, the BEST way to get strong, the BEST shoes to train, the BEST (insert applicable product or provider). The reality is that we neglect the fact that "Good Enough" is often...good enough. I've always tried to discourage this ultimate-ist, end-all be -all notion whenever I'm asked, "What is the best...?".
People sometimes seek out people like me to give them the newest and most innovative methods to help them achieve their goals. The reality is that in almost 20 years of coaching humans, extremely minimal innovations have come to the forefront. The most gains I've witnessed are those of rehabilitation modalities, not performance, not weight/fat loss, not nutrition, not strength gains. This may seem contradictory given the amount of information overload that we are subjected to, but Everything's Been Done! The only difference is that information that, 15 years ago, I was only able to get from published research studies, manuals, textbooks and physically going to a seminar or lectures, are now readily available online. Now, when someone comes across this info on their phones or computer, they appear to be new. We all know that person that swears that their routine is the best, even if they don't appear to be in great shape, but that's what they do and believe that they know what's best for you. We all know a person that bought a Peloton bike because someone else they know got one and made great progress. We also know that same person that has turned that bike into a clothes rack or a dust collector. This is the fate of many home exercise equipment.
When someone is trying to seek out the "BEST", even if they don't admit it, they are seeking the path of least resistance. Innately we want things to be as seamless, quick, painless, and as clean as possible. And, we apply that logic to our weight loss goal or getting in shape for an event. Unfortunately, these things take time and often we aren't honest about being able to put forth that commitment and time, Hence all the fads that we continually see. If these get- fit- quick workouts and new eating trends were the key, everyone would be healthy; everyone would be lean; and everyone would be strong.
The tried-and-true trend of eating healthy, real food on a consistent basis until you die, is the key. Putting in the time to exercise and train the right way (challenging yourself appropriately) is the key to getting results. Not enough time you say?? Those workouts can be shorter, but will need to be more intense. I've incorporated many different modalities in my athletic career and into my training, but always revert back to what does me well, good ol' strength training, rigorous cardiovascular training, drinking a ton of water and trying to stuff in as much real food as possible. I wish could tell you what the "Best" is, but frankly, the best thing is whatever keeps YOU motivated to maintain and keep a routine until it doesn't work anymore.