Make it count

We all know a trainer, coach or mentor who seems able to get more out of every session — and everyone in it.

You’ve likely experienced it yourself. You finish a workout knowing you have moved closer to your goals. Was it the effort you gave? The exercises you completed? The adjustments you made to your technique?

All of these matter. But the common denominator is clear: intentionality.

Intentionality is the focus, purpose and commitment you bring to what you are doing. Think back to your last workout. If you watched yourself from across the room, what would you see? Were you fully engaged? Did you understand what you were trying to accomplish — or were you simply going through the motions?

A productive workout is about more than maximum physical effort. Focus, execution and enjoyment matter. Our training goals may differ, but the way we choose to show up is within our control.

A good coach can help establish intention by explaining the objective of a workout or the purpose behind an exercise. But the coach cannot supply it for you. Training without intention has little benefit.

How you do something often matters more than what you are doing. You do not need the perfect workout, the newest equipment or an elaborate training plan. You need to understand the purpose, commit to the process and make the most of what is in front of you.

Ultimately, intention is a choice. Your coach can provide direction, but you must decide to be fully present and make every repetition count.

Effort makes you work. Intention makes the work matter.