The 80/20 Principle was discovered in 1897 by the Italian Economist Vilfredo Pareto (1848-1923). His discovery has since been called many names including;
The 80/20 Principle demonstrates that the universe tends to follow unbalanced relationships for example;
I believe that this same principle can be used to make your strength training routines more efficient and effective. Too many people spend too much time performing inefficient strength training routines. I am talking about the folks who spend an entire session performing 8-10 exercises targetting different areas of the chest. The next day 6 exercises are used to hit the shoulder muscles from every possible angle. The following day the biceps are given a roasting.
Training like this is crazy. I strongly believe that the vast majority of benefits associated with strength training can be derived from a small % of the exercises.
How is this possible?
By performing multi-joint compound exercises such squats, push ups and pull ups. These exercises simultaneously target multiple muscle groups working across multiple joints. They challenge the body to stabilise certain joints, whilst generating force and moving other joints through full ranges of motion.
If you have a full body strength training program that consists of a squat, a push, a pull and a core exercise you have a really solid program that will allow you to reap 90% + of the benefits associated with strength training. You will get stronger from head to toe, you will up your metabolism and burn fat, your joint strength will increase, your blood pressure will decrease, your body will go from soft and wobbly to hard and firm. On top of all that you will be able to perform your strength workouts in 40 minutes or less. Forget hitting the gym every day to get all your body parts trained by the weeks end, complete waste of time and effort.
- The Pareto Principle
- The Pareto Law
- The 80/20 Rule
- The Principle of Least Effort
- The Principle of Imbalance
The 80/20 Principle demonstrates that the universe tends to follow unbalanced relationships for example;
- 20% of Inputs yield 80% of Outputs
- 20% of Causes lead to 80% of Consequences
- 20% of Efforts produce 80% of Results
- 80% of the wealth is possessed by 20% of the population
- 20% of products account for 80% of business sales
- 20% of your clothes will get worn 80% of the time
- and the list goes on
I believe that this same principle can be used to make your strength training routines more efficient and effective. Too many people spend too much time performing inefficient strength training routines. I am talking about the folks who spend an entire session performing 8-10 exercises targetting different areas of the chest. The next day 6 exercises are used to hit the shoulder muscles from every possible angle. The following day the biceps are given a roasting.
Training like this is crazy. I strongly believe that the vast majority of benefits associated with strength training can be derived from a small % of the exercises.
How is this possible?
By performing multi-joint compound exercises such squats, push ups and pull ups. These exercises simultaneously target multiple muscle groups working across multiple joints. They challenge the body to stabilise certain joints, whilst generating force and moving other joints through full ranges of motion.
If you have a full body strength training program that consists of a squat, a push, a pull and a core exercise you have a really solid program that will allow you to reap 90% + of the benefits associated with strength training. You will get stronger from head to toe, you will up your metabolism and burn fat, your joint strength will increase, your blood pressure will decrease, your body will go from soft and wobbly to hard and firm. On top of all that you will be able to perform your strength workouts in 40 minutes or less. Forget hitting the gym every day to get all your body parts trained by the weeks end, complete waste of time and effort.
Apply the 80/20 principle to your workouts and cut all the exercises which are bringing you little to no extra benefit. This will save you a bucket load of time whilst still reaping all the benefits your hard efforts deserve.
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