Shelly McCoy, athlete and coach CrossFitensures that many people can obtain better results when they prioritize the quality of training over the number of hours they train.
As he explains, there is a tendency to think that physical progress depends exclusively on doing more and more physical activity. However, experience showed him that the key is usually in better select the movements, focus on the really important exercises and allow the body to recover properly.
The trainer maintains that gaining strength, improving mobility and maintaining long-term health does not require endless routines and states in an interview with The Sun: «Being healthier isn’t just about doing more; sometimes it’s about doing less«.
On the contrary, a more efficient strategy may consist of simplify training and focus on what generates a real impact on performance and quality of life.
What is McCoy’s routine to train the upper body in a simple way?
McCoy points out that not all movements have the same value within a routine. That is why we opt for functional exercises that involve several muscle groups at the same time and that reproduce movement patterns used in daily life.
Among the exercises recommended by the trainer CrossFit they meet the dumbbell bent over row, the one-arm dumbbell reverse flyes and the standing barbell overhead press.
The routine consists of performing four sets of bent-over rows and reverse flyes in a superset format with the right arm, and then repeating the same sequence with the left. Between each series it is advisable to rest between two and three minutes. To complete the workout, a final set of eight repetitions of standing barbell shoulder press is performed.
The trainer believes that correctly mastering these basic movements usually offers longer-lasting benefits than constantly pursuing new routines or complex exercises.
Why sometimes doing less exercises can give better results
As explained McCoyhe overtraining can cause accumulated fatigue, hinder recovery and even limit physical progress. When that happens, the body has less ability to positively adapt to the stimuli of exercise.
On the contrary, a more balanced planning It allows you to train with higher quality, sustain long-term habits and reduce the risk of injuries.
The specialist also highlights that this approach is especially valuable as the years go by. Maintain strength, mobility and functionality It doesn’t necessarily depend on longer workouts, but on smart and sustainable decisions.
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