Efficiency is a great thing in business…getting the most done in the least amount of time possible typically leads to higher profitability (as long as quality doesn’t suffer as a result of increased speed).
However, the exact opposite holds true when working out. No matter whether you are strength training, weight lifting, running, biking, etc., you want to work as inefficiently as possible in order to maximize your results. One of the hardest things I found when I started weight training was that my brain was so programmed to work efficiently that I was cheating and taking shortcuts during my workout sessions and I was not getting the most out of my workouts.
When lifting weights, if you move them from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible, you will build muscle slower…when running or biking efficiently, you will burn fewer calories. The goal should be to work as inefficiently as possible (without sacrificing form or risking injury) in order to get the best results. Typically, during weight training if you are trying to work efficiently, you are cheating and you are not using proper form and not focusing on the proper muscle/muscle group. For example, when doing lat pulldowns, you can lift a heavier weight or lift the same weight more easily if you engage your arms. However, the purpose of lat pulldowns is to work your lats. So, you want to work inefficiently and ensure to fully engage your lats and make them do all the work by themselves in order to get the most out of each rep.
To work more inefficiently during your workouts, try adding a weight vest when you run, do pullups & dips…add more weight to your barbell/weight machine or use heavier dumbells…do slower reps…take less of a break between sets…
Now, once you have mastered working out inefficiently, apply the exact opposite principles to your business and you will have the best of both worlds.
