Back
, , ,

Free Your Mind and Train Better: The Case Against Self Programming

Athlete being spotted during a heavy squat, representing structured coaching support.

There’s a growing trend of people taking their training into their own hands whether that’s building their own workouts, setting their own goals, and/or tracking their own progress. Self programming can feel very empowering when you have the right tools and knowledge but, it’s important to recognize that it isn’t the best fit for everyone. It takes more than just basic knowledge of exercises and access to the internet to build an effective and sustainable program. Taking the time to work with a coach or following a professionally designed plan can lead to better results, fewer setbacks, and more consistent progress.

One major benefit of not having to program your own training is the mental freedom it creates. When a program is specifically tailored to your needs and current ability, there’s no second guessing. Every workout has a purpose where progress is consistently tracked in a way that makes adjustments seamless and strategic, not just random and whatever you can think of. That adaptability is hard to recreate on your own unless you have the knowledge, experience, and objectivity to zoom out and look at your progress honestly. Having someone else do that for you keeps your energy focused on the actual training instead of overthinking every step. Accountability and motivation are also critical, and they’re often overlooked when people consider self programming. It’s easy to skip workouts, change plans too soon, or talk yourself out of hard days when there’s no one checking in. A coach or any consistent outside structure can help hold you to your commitments when your motivation dips because at some point, it always does. It’s an inevitable part of the process but that outside push can be the difference between staying on track and falling off entirely.

A well structured program allows you to show up, get to work, and leave knowing your time was used efficiently. No more wasting energy trying to decide what exercises to do, how many reps to perform, or whether you’re progressing correctly. That structure frees you from distraction and indecision, and ensures each session is aligned with your bigger picture goals. Self programming might sound ideal in theory, but applied, it requires a higher level of knowledge, and most importantly, discipline and objectivity. If you find yourself constantly questioning your plan, skipping workouts, or struggling to progress, it might be time to take programming off your plate and trust someone to guide the process.

#unleashthepotential

Written by:

Dan Aquino

BS, ASFA-CPT

 

Take action… Now!

Training Aspects Personal Training and Sports Performance locations:

Voorhees Flyers Training center.

Ice land hockey rink

The Hollydell ice arena, in the main building.

Recent posts
  • Free Your Mind and Train Better: The Case Against Self Programming
    Fit and healthy, Fitness, Personal trainer tips, Sports performance
    Free Your Mind and Train Better: The Case Against Self Programming

    There’s a growing trend of people taking their training into their own hands whether that’s building their own workouts, setting their own goals, and/or tracking their own progress. Self programming can feel very empowering when you have the right tools and knowledge but, it’s important to recognize that it isn’t the best fit for everyone.…

  • 3 Ways to Continue to Keep Showing Up When Motivation is Low
    Boxing Performance, Fit and healthy, Fitness, South Jersey, South Jersey, Sports performance, Uncategorized
    3 Ways to Continue to Keep Showing Up When Motivation is Low

    Commitment Over Motivation We all have some days where showing up feels like a battle. The difference between those who grow and those who never level up? The decision to show up anyway. Here are 3 key ways to make that happen, consistently. 1. Find Your Reason Motivation comes and goes, you’ll have days when…

  • Top 3 Injury Prevention Program Must Haves
    Cherry Hill sports performance, Hockey Performance, Personal trainer tips, Sports performance
    Top 3 Injury Prevention Program Must Haves

    Top 3 Injury Prevention Program Must Haves There’s a bunch of fancy stuff out there when its comes to the top recovery methods and some can have a benefit. But nothing compares to a properly designed program with the right exercise selection, proper volume/load and strategic rest and recovery days! Train properly and the injury…

Subscribe to our newsletter
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.