80/20 of Exercise

Have you ever heard of the 80/20 principle?

It states that:

80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts

It’s spooky how accurate this universal principle seems to be, for example:

• 20% of the worlds population has 80% of the wealth
• 20% of the roads in your city get 80% of the traffic
• 20% of products generate 80% of sales

You can apply the 80/20 principle to almost anything and it is surprising how accurate it is.

Over the last few years I’ve been very aware of the 80/20 principle and I’ve applied it to my personal training sessions.

When I first assess a new client I’m always looking for that 20% that will pay back a massive 80% in results.

Here are some examples:

General Health

• 20% of your habits result in 80% of your bad health
• 20% = smoking, alcohol, sugar, stress

Fat Loss Nutrition

• 20% of bad nutrition results in 80% of weight gain
• 20% = sugar, alcohol, processed carbs, sugared drinks

Muscle Building Exercises

• 20% of exercises generate 80% muscle growth
• 20% = Squats and Deadlifts

Fat Loss Kettlebell Exercises

• 20% of exercises generate 80% of results
• 20% = Swings

Kettlebell Swings in Action below:

Workout Time

• 20% of workout time results in 80% of workout results
• 20% = 10 minutes of higher intensity

The 80/20 principle is interesting because to achieve that final 20% of results takes a disproportionate amount of effort

For example you could workout for 60 minutes rather than 10 minutes but if performed correctly you will have achieved 80% of your results after 10 minutes so the final 50 minutes will only yield another possible 20%.

In a world where we are always busy and looking to achieve more results for the minimum amount of effort the 80/20 principle cannot be ignored.

So, what can you change today?

What 20% can you do to receive a massive 80% in results?

If you discover any interesting 80/20 principles then let me know in the comments below I’d love to hear about them.

Take care,

Greg

P.S. See all my latest workout programs here

To see more posts about general kettlebells workouts and advice, go here.