Fitness as a Skill

We are expanding a bit on last week’s topic of not letting your ego hold you back. This week, I am challenging you to view fitness as a skill.

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For many, fitness is seen as a chore - the concept of “I HAVE to exercise” instead of “I GET to exercise.”

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Others view it as a habit, something that is a non-negotiable, like brushing your teeth. And this is great…habits always trump motivation.

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But what if we took it one step further and approached fitness as a skill to be mastered rather than a to-do to be checked off?

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Viewing fitness as a skill can result in an important mindset shift where you embrace progress, growth, and the opportunity to learn.

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We are big on educating our members and some really dig in. They ask questions, read these weekly emails and even begin to seek knowledge on their own. Many of them view fitness as a skill and focus on constant improvement.

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Approaching fitness in this way is all about a growth mindset (you don't fail, you learn). This can keep you more engaged and less frustrated. You don’t expect perfection immediately, but you realize with consistency and practice, you will improve.

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Here are some examples of skill-based learning in fitness:

• Strength Training: Learning proper technique for a squat or deadlift (or any lift) is a skill. Each rep is an opportunity to refine your movement and that builds confidence. You’re worried less about the weight on the bar or what others are lifting. You want to do it well.  
• Conditioning: Pacing, breathing, and technique on the machines requires awareness and adjustment. You don’t simply sit on a bike or rower, you pay attention to the monitor and constantly think about the mechanics required to be efficient on the machines. You aren't looking to "beat" other members in the workout. Again, you want to do it well.
• Mobility: You don’t simply go through or rush the movements, you think about  the fine details because you know they make a difference. You feel your end ranges and realize when exercises have gotten even slightly easier.

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By focusing on learning, you eliminate the pressure to be perfect. You realize when you’ve made small improvements and you celebrate those wins.

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There are key benefits to this mindset:

• Long-Term Engagement: You’ll stay motivated because there’s always room to learn and improve, even if you’ve been active for decades.
• Injury Prevention: Instead of rushing through an exercise or just simply wanting to go heavier, you focus on alignment, tempo, and breathing, reducing the risk of injury.
• Progress at Any Age: Unlike other aspects of life that may slow down as you age, skill-based training gives you the satisfaction of constant improvement. “I used to be able to lift this” can become “I move better than I used to.”

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It's key to engage with a coach to make the most of this mindset. Many people think they are doing something correctly, when in reality they could use improvement. It's very common for new members, once they start working with a trainer, to say "wow, I've been doing it wrong for so long."

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By treating fitness as a skill, you’ll approach your workouts with curiosity and purpose rather than obligation. You’ll look forward to mastering new movements, improving technique, and seeing how your dedication pays off over time. And pro tip: the better you move, the more capacity you have to build muscle!

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So, the next time you step into the gym, ask yourself: What can I learn today?