The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of its Parts

The main objective of exercise, in a nutshell, is to create a stimulus. This stimulus is what the body interprets as an existential threat, and it triggers a growth mechanism. In turn, the body then mobilizes its resources to make physical improvements. These improvements are many, but they include strength (the muscles' capacity to produce force), bone remodeling, as well as metabolic and cardiovascular conditioning. Everything that we do at Total Results is geared toward achieving the most effective stimulus possible without overtaxing the body along the way. While different people have different ideas about what they want to accomplish by being stronger and fitter, it is important to not get bogged down in minutiae. You should see the big picture and realize that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Most clients have some exercises that they like or dislike more than others. That's simply human nature. It is also normal to place a greater amount of importance on certain exercises. One of our clients judges the efficacy of her workout solely on how she performs on the Lumbar Extension exercise. Certainly some exercises are going to have a greater metabolic impact than others (think Leg Press versus Cervical Extension), but that doesn't mean that each exercise isn't important in its own right. You should not "save" your effort or hold back on certain exercises because you want to perform better in time under load (TUL) on another. Remember that "better" is a relative term, and form trumps everything else. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. You will create a more effective exercise stimulus if you give a maximum effort on every exercise. Sure, you may achieve a shorter TUL on the Chest Press if you inroad more deeply on the Leg Press (since those exercises are often done in consecutive order), but so what? Your body doesn't really know or care what your TUL was on a given exercise; all it knows is that motor units are being recruited and resources are being depleted as you go through the workout.

Strive for perfect form on every repetition of every exercise that you perform. It is easy to lose sight of what is important, especially as you become more proficient and begin to train with greater effort. When movement becomes a struggle it is very tempting to commit form discrepancies simply to complete one more repetition. However, today's shoddy technique can become tomorrow's injury. See the big picture and remember that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Better technical form leads to greater motor unit recruitment, which in turn creates a more effective stimulus. It is the responsibility of the instructor to repeat the mantra of safety, and you cannot reap the benefits of high-intensity exercise if you are injured. Just because you may have a more difficult time with form on certain exercises does not mean that we will avoid them. We want to improve your strengths as well as your weaknesses. Try to maintain a growth mindset and strive for one percent improvement in each session.

I often talk about how unique the Total Results exercise environment is, relative to commercial gyms and other exercise studios. This is not done in a boastful manner, but our concept does set us apart from everyone else. For many first time Total Results clients, walking into our studio can be a strange experience. They are often used to more crowded, hot, and noisy settings, and can find the quiet to be a little unsettling at first. Some folks even complain about the cold temperature in the workout space, and there is often a natural tendency to bundle up in order to keep warm. Please understand that everything in our workout space, from the temperature to the fans, as well as the type of equipment that we have and where it is spaced on the floor, is all designed with the purpose of maximizing your exercise experience. Don't focus on negative things like the initial cold temperatures, or that a fan is blowing on you. Instead, realize that these are essential elements of the ideal exercise environment. Sacrifice a little comfort now for a larger reward at the finish line. We have a much larger purpose than simply moving weights around for twenty minutes.

By choosing Total Results, you are already on the road less traveled. If what we were doing was easy, everybody would do it. It takes drive, determination, and a willingness to be challenged in order to reach your physical potential. Combine that with big picture thinking and you have an unstoppable combination. Be a part of something that can push you to new heights that you did not believe were possible. Choose Total Results.