trainlog

Title: Strategic Approaches to Resting During Metcon Workouts

In the realm of metcon workouts, it's a rare feat for the majority of us to complete a session without taking a break at some point. However, the key lies in identifying the most effective ways to rest while ensuring that your coach doesn't reprimand you. Here, we present a comprehensive list of break - taking strategies, ranked from least to most advisable, enabling you to gain the coach's favor (and potentially evade penalty burpees).

1. Sandbagging

This approach is characterized by an obvious lack of effort. You exhibit no signs of being out of breath, and you're far from reaching your maximum exertion level. It's evident that you simply don't have the motivation to push hard on this particular day. The issue is that your lack of effort is transparent to everyone. Those surreptitious looks you might sense are indeed people noticing your lack of commitment. They feel as though you've cheated them out of a proper workout environment. And to add insult to injury, did you just reduce the weight by ten pounds? Really!

2. Checking the Whiteboard

You claim to have a memory comparable to that of a goldfish as you make your way past several people to check the whiteboard. During your dash, others have to halt their kettlebell swings to avoid hitting you, and you inadvertently kick someone's jump rope. It's the fourth round of a five - round workout, and it's common knowledge that box jumps are next. Clearly, you're merely stalling.

3. Clothing Maintenance

The adage "it's not what you do, but how you do it" seems to be your guiding principle. The laces of your brand - new inov8s (or heavily discounted Nanos) keep coming undone. You assert that you can't perform the metcon with untied laces due to safety concerns. So, you stop to tie them, this time double - knotting for good measure. Even if your heart rate drops in the process, safety first, right? However, it's rather peculiar that no one else seems to have such persistent lace - related issues.

4. Chalking Up

Chalking up appears to be a legitimate activity, doesn't it? You claim you're doing it to minimize rest and complete those challenging toes - to - bar exercises without interruption. Fewer sets, more work! But when you've chalked up for the 27th time, and there's more chalk on your hands and clothing than in the bucket, it becomes suspect. In fact, other members are practically getting their chalk from the back of your shirt at this point.

5. Water

Staying hydrated is a valid reason to pause during a workout. Everyone has the right to access water. However, it's important to exercise discretion. If it's a short, three - minute sprint workout, you could likely manage without water. In longer workouts, ensure that you're not spending more time drinking than actually completing rounds. And don't even consider "forgetting" your water bottle on the other side of the gym, as this gives you an extra twenty seconds of rest while you retrieve it.

6. Timing

Announcing a well - thought - out timing strategy can be a smart move. For example, stating "I'm working in sets of three, with strict fifteen seconds rest" showcases your strategic acumen. You're demonstrating that you're not going to over - exert yourself and end up limping. It's difficult to fault you when you have a clear game plan. However, it's crucial to declare your strategy early on to avoid being mistaken for a sandbagger.

7. Fixing Equipment

This is a strategy that no coach can criticize. Suppose the lock - on collars on the gym's new barbells are slipping. With them loose, the plates will bounce at an angle, reducing the lifespan of both the bar and the plates. Taking a deep breath, you pause mid - set to tighten the collars and then promptly resume your workout. For added authenticity, a shake of the head can convey the impression that you don't want to stop, but you have to for the sake of the gym's equipment. You can claim that you were on track to break the gym record, but the well - being of the gym took precedence.

Post - Workout Reflection

As you gulp down your protein shake in the post - workout period, you might say something like, "Yeah, I could have shaved sixty seconds off, but those collars were an issue." All the while, hoping that no one notices you haven't yet attempted the couch stretch. Your trainer gives you an approving smile, and you feel a sense of satisfaction, knowing that you've managed to steal a few precious seconds of rest without anyone being able to hold it against you.

So, how many of these strategies have you witnessed at your gym? What other covert rest strategies have you observed during workouts? Share your insights in the comments section.

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Photos courtesy of Jorge Huerta Photography.