In odds and ends 2, as in all odds and ends posts, we touch on several different topics that don’t merit a full blog post. They’re based on discussions had in the gym, questions asked, etc.
Is keto/intermittent fasting/[insert fad diet here] a good way to eat?
The most effective diet is one that you’ll stick to. We advocate consistency, eating whole foods as much as possible, and doing something that allows you to enjoy the food you eat, rather than be restrictive. Most fad diets exist for weight loss purposes. All of them can be effective, because they all restrict caloric intake in some way, shape, or form.
Is keto good? In the short term, you might find it effective. For our gym members, based on the type of exercise we do, carbs will always be the best fuel source. But, if you’re trying keto and it’s working for you, more power to you. If you feel sluggish and/or notice a decline in your performance, maybe it’s time to reintroduce carbs.
When it comes to intermittent fasting, as long as you are not mentally drained from it, and it doesn’t affect your workouts, have at it. If you train during your eating window, this shouldn’t be a problem. If you train during your fasting window, this would be the ONLY time I would advocate for supplementing with BCAA’s. At the end of the day, it’s about feeling good. If eating a certain way helps your mental state, and doesn’t adversely affect your training, then enjoy.
[Insert coach name here] doesn’t follow the program they write. Does that mean it’s not a good program?
Absolutely not. In fact, I would counter that it probably makes it a better program. When we program for ourselves, we tend to subconsciously bias the program towards things we enjoy, rather than what our clients need. This is the cardinal sin of programming.
Additionally, everyone has their own goals, coaches included. I outsource my own programming to a remote coach for the same reason most people come to the gym. It allows for an objective observer, and someone who can program to fix my weaknesses and my goals without my ego getting in the way. And, it gives me someone to hold me accountable.
Just because a coach doesn’t follow a given program doesn’t mean they don’t believe in it. To give anyone a program that the creator doesn’t’ believe in is the most dishonest, irresponsible thing I can think of as a programmer. If you ever find yourself in that situation, FIRE that coach immediately and shoot me a message. We’ll hook you up with a Viking coach that actually wants to work for you.
What’s the best workout you’ve ever written?
Trigger alert! I hate this question, and it pops up frequently in the CF Affiliate Owners’ group. How can any single workout be the best? Again, it comes back to the program overall. Is it a good program? That depends on what it’s trying to accomplish, and whether or not the goal of the program is aligned with the goals of those following the program. Any program can be good if applied correctly. Okay, I take that back. There are some seriously shitty programs out there. Any well thought out program that adheres to the principles of training can be effective if used at the proper time for the proper trainee. The best workout? One that allows you to train the next day, and the next week.
I get thrown off when I can’t lift in my go-to rack. Is this a problem?
If you compete at all, then it is definitely a problem. Lifters and competitive CrossFitters need to be adaptable and able to train in any environment. You never know what you’re going to get in terms of set-up on the competition floor. For our non-competitors, it comes down to resilience. One of the many benefits of training is that it allows us to build our ability to focus and accomplish a difficult task. If you’re hung up on which rack you squat in, you don’t build this ability. Instead, I would advocate for developing a pre-lift routine that is intrinsic, rather than focused on external factors. How you approach the bar, how you set up, your self-talk, etc. These are all intrinsic actions that can be recreated regardless of environment.
That’s all we have for this edition of odds and ends; I hope you enjoyed it. If you ever have any suggestions for a blog topic, or want other questions answered, please don’t hesitate to reach out!