Okay, so today I want to share my little experiment with something I’m calling “agile sport.” It’s basically trying to apply some agile principles to my regular workout routine. Sounds kinda nerdy, I know, but stick with me!
The Idea
I’ve been feeling stuck in a rut with my workouts. Same old routine, same old results (or lack thereof!). I do a lot of reading about agile methodologies for work, and it got me thinking: could I use some of those ideas to make my fitness…well, more agile?
Getting Started
First, I ditched the rigid, long-term workout plan. You know, the kind that says “Monday: Chest, Tuesday: Legs,” and so on. Instead, I created a “backlog” of exercises I enjoy. This included stuff like:
- Push-ups
- Squats
- Dumbbell rows
- Plank
- Jumping jacks
- Bicycle crunches
- …and a few more
I categorized them roughly by muscle group, but I wasn’t super strict about it.
The “Sprint”
My “sprint” is a single workout session. Before each workout, I pick a handful of exercises from the backlog. I try to get a good mix, hitting different muscle groups, but I also listen to my body. If my legs are super sore from yesterday, I’ll focus on upper body or core.
I set a timer for, say, 30 minutes. The goal isn’t to do a specific number of reps or sets. It’s to keep moving and challenge myself within that time frame. I might do a circuit, going from one exercise to the next with minimal rest. Or I might focus on one exercise for a few sets, then switch it up.
Review and Adapt
After each workout “sprint,” I take a minute to think about how it went. Did I feel energized? Did I push myself hard enough (but not too hard)? Are there any exercises I’m starting to dread (maybe time to swap them out for something else)?
This is the key part: I’m constantly adjusting. If something isn’t working, I change it. No guilt, no feeling like I’ve “failed.” It’s all about finding what works best for me, right now.
The Results (So Far)
Honestly, it’s been pretty great! I feel way more motivated to work out because I’m not locked into a boring routine. I’m actually enjoying the variety, and I feel like I’m getting more out of each session. I have noticed my body is getting more fit in a general sense. Plus there is no pressure to do a particular thing. I am more free to make choices for my body.
It’s still a work in progress, of course. I’m still figuring things out. But that’s the whole point of “agile,” right? Iterate, adapt, and keep improving! I just keep trying little things!
