Hidden Reps

Josh Waitzkin is a master of many things. A young chess prodigy, black belt in jujitsu, investor and now he’s pursing foiling, a high-speed version of surfing that requires a jet ski to tow you in. Waitzkin goes deep, and teaches people how to master things in unconventional ways, basically he teaches people how to learn better.

Last week I listened to him on the Tim Ferriss Podcast. The interview was full of insights, but one in particular stuck with me, because it’s an easy thing we can all apply in the gym. Find the hidden reps.

Waitzkin was referring to the easy things that you can be lazy about. Finding the hidden reps means taking those reps seriously, practicing them with effort and focus. These opportunities are abundant in the gym. 

Picking up a kettlebell for a one arm carry. It should look like a good deadlift when you get the kettlebell off the floor. Create tension, squeeze the handle and practice your deadlift, even though you’re just carrying the kettlebell. Taking the barbell out of the rack for a squat. Set your feet, get your breath. Don’t just walk out of the cage letting the bar push you around. Even getting up from the floor is an opportunity to find hidden reps. Are you moving smoothly and fluid? Or are you leaning on the wall just because it’s there?

Find more hidden reps in the gym this week. They live outside the gym as well, picking up the laundry basket, carrying groceries and doing the dishes. Hidden reps are everywhere, make sure you’re taking them.

Justin Miner

@justinminergain