The Fitness Athlete Podcast Episode 3 - Training vs. exercising
Jan 30, 2026
They debate why goal-directed training matters more than aimless activity. They explore how goals boost motivation, build habits, and create measurable progress. Personal stories show the shift from inconsistent movement to consistent training. They discuss using functional goals in rehab and aligning workouts with meaningful everyday outcomes.
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Training Gives Movement A Purpose
- Training adds purpose to movement and keeps people focused on measurable progress instead of aimless activity.
- Mitch Babcock contrasts aimless exercise with goal-driven training using a GPS/car analogy to explain efficiency and direction.
CrossFit Transformed Alan From Sporadic To Consistent
- Alan Fredendall describes starting CrossFit at ~400 pounds and how performance goals (pull-ups, handstand pushups) sustained his adherence.
- He credits staged goals for turning sporadic gym visits into a daily habit and consistent attendance at 8 a.m. classes.
Set Incremental Goals To Sustain Effort
- Set incremental, meaningful goals to make hard work palatable and to sustain motivation during rehab or training.
- Mitch Babcock uses the example of progressing from single unders to double unders to show skill-based goal progression.