Why TRAINING is different than WORKING OUT

Having been in the sports performance training and fitness landscape since the mid 90’s, I like to think that many things have evolved over time. Exercises and drills may change and evolve, and thats the nature of growth in this field. My perspective on training has also changed over time, going from being engrossed in the physical demands of sports performance and fitness, to seeing the philosophical point of view sport and fitness.

From this philosophical point of view, one thing I see is the different between “training and working out’. On the surface, these two words have been used interchangeably when talking about sport and fitness, but there is a difference.

Working out to me is what you do; TRAINING is working out with intent to prepare for something. Training from a philosophical point of view to me is an action word meaning that you are “working out in preparation of a goal ahead”. This doesn’t make “working out” a bad thing. On the contrary working out can be the simple act of exercising and getting physical activity for it’s own sake. This is an incredible mental and physical outlet.

But training is different. Training is about getting ready to perform; training is about getting ready for excellence everyday; training means getting a little bit better today than you were yesterday.

Go TRAIN now. Workout later.