Intention and focus

Making every repetition count

As has been already mentioned, the (technically) hard things should be done early in the session. However, focus doesn't come automatically by putting things first. You need to intentionally decide to focus on what is ahead of you.

Even when you are doing the warm-up you should always focus on doing the exercises as well as you can. During the warm-up is an especially good time to practice ignoring distractions, as the exercises will usually be easier.

So what does it mean to focus (on the exercise)?

• You understand the purpose of the exercise

• You focus on doing the movement rather than being done with it

  • If you are doing multiple repetitions you focus on the one you are doing rather than how many is left

• You try to do it better with every repetition

  • You use the feedback from the previous repetition to guide your next to be even better

• You notice how your body feels while doing the movement

• You ignore distractions

  • e.g. if someone starts talking to you, you ignore it - at least until you are done with the set

  • also internal distractions (if your mind starts wandering, just try to focus on your breath and how your body feels to regain attention)

• You try to minimize distractions

  • This is more of a cultural thing and is discussed in more details under the community section

  • You don't do unrelated things in between sets, such as being on your phone