Listen, we get it. You're a busy person with a lot on your plate. Between work, family, and social obligations, it can be tough to consistently make time for the gym. And when you do manage to get there, you're often short on time and energy, so you figure you might as well make the most of it by going all-out. But here's the thing: consistency matters just as much as intensity. In fact, we would argue that it matters even more. Sounds crazy, right? Well, let me explain.
Progress is Paramount
First and foremost, consistency is what leads to progress. It doesn't matter how hard you push yourself during a single workout - if you don't consistently come back and push yourself harder over time, you're not going to see results. Sure, you might feel sore and tired after a particularly intense lifting session, but that soreness and fatigue won't translate into gains if you don't continue to challenge yourself over time.
Injuries
Secondly, consistency helps prevent injuries. If you only hit the gym once every couple of weeks and try to make up for lost time by going hard and heavy, you're setting yourself up for disaster. Your body needs time to adapt to the stresses you put on it, and if you don't give it that time, you're more likely to suffer an injury. Plus, consistently lifting at a moderate intensity can actually help strengthen your muscles and joints, making you less prone to injury in the first place.
Accountability
Thirdly, consistency keeps you accountable. If you only go to the gym when you feel like it or when you have time, you're much more likely to skip sessions altogether. But if you make a commitment to go to the gym consistently - say, at least three times a week - you'll be more motivated to hold yourself accountable and less likely to make excuses to skip.
Discipline
Lastly, consistency builds discipline. When you make yourself do something even when you don't feel like it, you're building mental toughness and discipline. This can help you in all areas of your life, not just lifting. Plus, consistency helps establish healthy habits, making it easier for you to stick to healthy behaviors in other areas of your life as well.