Low Barrier to Entry Workouts
Whenever I’m in a workout slump I use low barrier to entry workouts to get back in the game.
The opposite of a low barrier to entry workout would be something like a heavy back squat, deadlift, or a tough conditioning workout that requires ample warm up and mental fortitude.
Here are my requirements for a low barrier to entry workout:
I don’t have to change. I only wear gym clothes but believe it or not I have training and coaching gym clothes. An easy workout in coaching clothes is acceptable, but a hard workout is a no go.
No warm up. A low barrier to entry workout allows me to get straight into it with fussing about how to get properly warmed up. No movements that are that complex, (too) heavy or require much coordination.
Don’t have to change afterwards. If I get too sweaty I’m going to have to have to change. In order for it to be a low barrier to entry workout, I’m not changing afterwards.
Feel better afterwards. A good low barrier to entry workout ends like this, “That was good, I feel good, why have I been skipping so many workouts?”
Here was a low barrier to entry workout that got me back on track last recently:
EMOM 15
1 chin up + 2 kb swings + 3 ring push ups
Only 3 push ups! I know! So low barrier to entry.
The point is this; sometimes the changing, driving, eating, working, socializing and parenting stuff gets in the way of you working out. It gets complicated when you remember that working out makes all of those things better.
Big heroic workouts are cool, but small, simple and effective workouts are just as cool, and still move your fitness needle in the right direction.
As we head into the holidays, remember this concept of a low barrier to entry workout, some kettlebell swings, bodyweight squats or even a walk could be just what your body needs.
Justin Miner
@justinminergain