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Training Specificity – Because Specific Exercises Provide Specific Results

Training Specificity
You don't get better at something by not doing it.
At the same time if you want to master a skill or set a new personal best on an exercise you must perform it.

This is specificity.

A boxer requires fast footwork to evade and trap his opponent in the ring, but a boxer doesn't acquire fast footwork by running.
The movement patterns are entirely different.

Running builds cardio endurance, but you won't find the speed and precision of your gallop, side step and pendulum increasing as a result of this.
It's not building mastery and skill in the required movement pattern...

In order to increase the speed and fluidity of your boxing footwork you must continually practise boxing footwork.

To increase proficiency with the pendulum footwork pattern you must practise the pendulum footwork pattern.
To increase proficiency with the side step footwork pattern you must practise the sidestep footwork pattern.
To increase proficiency with the gallop footwork pattern you must practise the gallop footwork pattern.

This is training specificity.

You must practise X to get good at X.
Performing Y will not work the same movement pattern.

This isn't a boxing specific training principle, training specificity is apparent everywhere.

You may be able to squat 415lbs but in order to do a pistol squat you must start from the most basic variation of the pistol squat and become familiar with the movement pattern, there's no other way.

See also
3 BIG Benefits Of Cardio For Bodybuilding

Specific Exercises = Specific Results

In order to get better at a certain exercise you must perform that exercise (or a variation of that exercise utilizing the same movement pattern).

The military press and the dumbbell shoulder press are a prim example of this.

Both of these exercises are a pressing movement targeting the deltoids, although the movement is similar you will find that in increase in strength on the dumbbell shoulder press does not equate to a increase in strength on the military press.

I experienced this firsthand several years ago.

I didn't understand.

My dumbbell shoulder press was up 15%  but my military press did not progress at all.

My military press didn't progress at all because I wasn't military pressing frequently enough to build my proficiency in that movement under an increased load.

Implement Exercises & Movements That Support Your Goals

If you want to hit a 315lb bench press for reps you're going to be wasting your time if you're spending your days running long distances or performing pistol squats.
You will not hit your goals unless you train specific movements that'll excel you towards them.

Training Specificity Examples

Want to build a big and strong chest? You better be focusing on your flat barbell bench press, incline bench press and weighted dips.

See also
5 Reasons Why You Must Get Jacked

Want to build core strength? Your regime better incorporate hanging leg raises & hollow holds.

Want to improve your agility and footwork for your upcoming boxing bout? Forget running, focus on your specific footwork drills e.g. the pendulum, side step and gallop.

What's Your Take On Training Specificity? Let Me Know Below!

Scott J.
Scott J.https://ignorelimits.com
I’m SJ. I’m a fitness enthusiast and published author. I transformed my body from a skinny fat 135lbs with 18% body fat to a solid 192lbs at 8% body fat. I became qualified in a field I was passionate about. I founded several online businesses that allow me to pursue ideas and projects in my life that I am passionate about without having to constantly worry about money. I published several eBooks explaining the training and dieting techniques I used to achieve the body I have today. I learnt a plethora of new information on dieting and fitness by reading and applying what I read, to find out what does work and what doesn’t work, because as I’m sure you’ve noticed the health and fitness industry is full of non-sense claims and BS. I found out what was true and what worked for me and applied that knowledge. And you bet I had fun during the whole process.

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