To Count Up or Down? That is the Question.

For many years, I countdown my reps and sets instead of counting up. I think doing it that way is just better for several reasons.

By choosing to count down, you'll be predetermining what you're committing to. So, two things occur. One, you've decided how many repetitions you're willing to commit to. Two, by committing to that number, it affects your pride if you don't complete that predetermined number.

That's pretty cool in itself because by thinking this way you begin another process as well. Say you don't make your predetermined number. Your pride is affected and automatically you begin accessing why you failed without really conscious effort.

Just in that, you're taking on accountability for your decisions and actions instead of making excuses. And once again, automatically, you're making intelligent decisions as to whether you should commit to those high numbers the next time.

Ah Ha. Something cool happens again. Now you're learning to be more committed to your decisions that you make to guide your future. You're thinking ahead instead of behind and you're planning for success the next time round.

On the other hand, when you count up, a bit of Hoping occurs - you hope you make the same number you did the workout before or you Hope your can do one more rep...etc.

Of course you'll try hard. But really, if you don't, no big sweat. You'll get it next time. You didn't have breakfast after all and were feeling weak. It was a hard day at work. The kids kept me up all night.

If you think about it now - when you count up - you know that you give yourself a lot of leeway even when you try your hardest.

In reality, trying your hardest is challenged a LOT more when you commit to numbers BEFORE your set.

Now, let's take it a step further. How about commit on paper the night before your workout how many sets, reps, and weights you'll do the next day. Wow, now you're talking!

Your brain will go into overdrive with ALL the commitments you're making. Moreover, you're really assessing and attempting to dig down deep within you so you'll be able to live up to those commitments without failing. It doesn't feel good to fail - to go against your word. So, you're learning to push AND dig at the same time by counting down AND planning ahead with commitment in mind.

Let's compare this to making no plans other than deciding on the body parts you're going to work for greater strength and speed - counting UP  and hoping you'll be able to do just one more...

I think you can see already why I choose to count down. Try it - you may find yourself making improvements in your physical conditioning faster than you ever imagined. Assessing, Committing, and Planning for Successful Execution all are inherent qualities of Counting Down.

Failing to plan is planning to fail as they say.

To your Mastery and Success, Garin Bader