The podcast discusses the limitations of wearable fitness trackers in accurately tracking fitness. It emphasizes the importance of considering factors like sleep quality and overall well-being when assessing progress. The hosts also talk about the significance of understanding and respecting one's limits, taking rest periods, and prioritizing consistency in training, rest, and nutrition. They explore the challenges of relying solely on wearable metrics and the potential harm of trusting unreliable emotions and feelings as data points.
Relying solely on wearable fitness trackers can lead to misguided decisions and unnecessary changes in behavior.
Considering multiple factors like sleep, nutrition, and motivation, along with performance trends, is crucial for effective training.
Deep dives
The Limitations of Using Metrics and Data to Guide Training Decisions
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the limitations of relying on metrics and data, such as recovery scores from wearables like the Whoop, to determine training decisions. They emphasize that certain acute responses, like feelings of tiredness or short-term fluctuations in metrics, should not be overemphasized or taken too seriously. They believe that consistent and persistent feelings may have value, but more whimsical and fleeting responses should not heavily influence training decisions. The speaker also questions the accuracy of using metrics like heart rate variability (HRV) to predict training status and suggests that performance decline over time may be a more reliable indicator of overtraining. They highlight the importance of considering multiple factors, such as lifestyle and other life stressors, when interpreting metrics and making training choices.
The Harm of Irrelevant Data and the Danger of Focusing Too Much on Metrics
Another key point discussed in the podcast episode is the harm of irrelevant data. The speaker argues that placing too much trust in metrics and data can lead to misguided decisions and unnecessary changes in behavior. They provide examples, such as giving up certain foods or exercise routines based on data that may not be accurate or relevant. They suggest that metrics should not override personal intuition and the overall understanding of one's own body and performance. They emphasize the importance of focusing on performance trends and assessing other factors, such as sleep, nutrition, and motivation, rather than solely relying on metrics to guide training and lifestyle choices.
Differentiating Between Training and Exercising
The podcast briefly touches on the distinction between training and exercising. The speaker suggests that training involves a structured plan with specific goals in mind, while exercising focuses more on general physical fitness without a specific outcome in mind. They clarify that exercise should still be performed with intensity and intention, but the term 'training' implies a more goal-oriented approach. However, they acknowledge that the distinction between the two terms may vary and should not be overemphasized or rigidly interpreted.
This week, we have a coaching call EC hosted recently with a listener named Nate. They talk about the limitations of wearable devices in tracking fitness and the importance of relying on performance and individual experience as indicators of training status.
Actionable advice:
· When assessing progress, consider factors beyond wearable metrics, such as sleep quality and overall well-being.
· Understand and respect one's own limits in training and performance.
· Take rest periods and listen to the body's signals for optimal fitness.
· Prioritize consistency in training, rest, and nutrition for long-term fitness goals.
The Consistency Project aims to simplify nutrition, health, and well-being by breaking down the concepts and actions we can all take to live fuller, more functional lives.
ABOUT US
📍 EC Synkowski is a Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS), a Licensed-Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN), and Certified CrossFit Level 4 Coach (CF-L4). She's the founder of OptimizeMe Nutrition and the creator of the #800gChallenge®. Find her on social media
📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter and podcaster. Find him on social media.