Should your workout look like everyone else’s?
Because I don’t think it should.
Mike Boyle said in a recent Instagram post: “90% of everyone’s workouts are the same.”
He’s one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in the world.
And he’s right… in one way.
Most people need the same basic stuff: squat, hinge, push, pull, core.
But I think that quote ignores something huge.
The details matter.
A lot.
Most gyms avoid full customization.
Because it’s harder.
It requires great coaches.
It requires great programmers.
It requires challenging systems.
And it requires thinking about more than sets and reps.
It requires thinking about YOU.
Here are just a few reasons why two people in the same gym should not be doing the same exact workout.
- Some people love a mixed approach.
They want circuits.
They want their heart rate up the entire workout.
They want full body workouts.
- Some people dislike cardio.
Or they do it on their own.
So we reduce it.
Or remove it.
And we build a plan that is more strength-focused.
And even then, our 2-exercise circuits still get your heart rate up.
- Some people love training legs.
So we give them more legs.
Some want more quads.
Some want more glutes.
A “one workout for everyone” plan can’t do that well.
- Some people want more upper body.
More back.
More shoulders.
More chest.
More arms.
That changes what we do.
- Some people want abs.
Some want better core strength to protect their low back.
Some want core work that helps their stomach look more defined.
Those are not the same thing.
- Some people have pain or injuries.
We have to avoid certain movements.
Or swap them.
Sometimes the fear of pain matters too.
Even if the body is okay.
- Some people simply don’t like certain exercises.
They won’t do them.
Or they’re uncomfortable doing them.
So we adjust.
Because the best program is the one you’ll actually do.
- Some people LOVE certain exercises.
Some times for no logical reason.
They just like them.
And that matters too.
- Some people want to train every day.
That changes recovery.
That changes volume.
That changes the plan.
- Some people can only come once per week.
That changes everything too.
So no…
90% of workouts should not be the same.
Not if our goal is to get more people to exercise more often.
And stick with it.
For years.
That’s why we customize.
Because you’re not “everyone.”
– James Pratt