Random Thoughts on Training Potential Part 2.

In part 1 I presented a theory and ramblings for genetic potential (GP) and tried to give some real-world figures for reference. Now I want to present another theory/idea that has been rattling around in my mostly empty head for ages, Natural Potential (NP).

This time I want you to imagine living in a world with little to no automation, no shops, cars or even mobile phones. Food had to be gathered, grown or hunted. Essential items had to be foraged, carried and so on. Physical training doesn’t exist, its an unkown concept. In this world you are going to fitter, stronger and more mobile than someone who doesn’t train in the modern world because your ability to move and carry is essential to surviving and you do it all day every day. This is your Natural Potential.

In 2020 many, well far too many people are not even close to the NP because they simple do not move enough. They are in negative fitness equity before the even start training or exercising more often. Therefore, when the start training and start to see the improvements in the first 6-8++ weeks the positive improvements they see, while still positive, are them repaying that negative equity they are not actual gains.  It’s is the next weeks, months when they will see the real gains as per Part 1 of this series. The problem is too many people don’t adhere to their training long enough to see proper gains, only reaching NP. As stated in Part 1 people just don't understand how fit/strong they could be as they have nothing to compare it with.

And then  a large percentage that do adhere to a training/exercise regime do not enhance their training through progressive over-load over the long term. Therefore, training wise they do not see further gains/advancement only maintenance. This is good for health and certainly better than doing nothing BUT in terms of effort v reward is poor. This goes back to Part 1, people don’t understand how fit/strong/fast etc they could be and don’t understand the benefits this brings in the real world. In short if you do 2 years of training you should want 2 years of results, not 3 months' worth.

As with all my posts I am happy to be proven wrong as that way I can learn. Only zealots and Siths deal in absolutes. Please post below or on twitter with and feedback.