The Myth of the "Right" Way to Exercise: Crafting Your Personal Fitness Toolkit

Have you noticed how many videos and tutorials there are on the internet and social media about the right way to do a particular exercise? We have seen so many that it makes our head spin harder than a ninja turtle breakdancing.

This week we highlight two somewhat opposite ways we have seen the Bulgarian Split Squat coached to emphasize how neither may be the way you need to do it; but both may also be equally great…

Exercises are the tools we choose to sculpt, fortify, and enhance our bodies in the ways we desire. It's not about following a rigid script for each one; it's about selecting the right tool for the job and using it to target our goals as precisely and effectively as possible.

It's About You, Not the Rulebook

The Bulgarian split squat serves as a great illustration of how flexibility in approach can lead to more specific and personalized benefits. Some coaches insist on a textbook-perfect posture and angle, claiming it's the one and only route to strength and symmetry. However, symmetry is not present in most split squats we have ever seen, nor is the posture the same. Depending on your goals, your version of this exercise might look different from someone else's—and that's perfectly okay. Whether you're aiming to improve balance, increase leg strength without loading a bar on your back, or target specific muscle groups, the way you perform your split squat can and should vary.

Why One Size Fits None

though sharing much in common, our bodies are all unique with its own set of strengths, limitations, and quirks. A technique or form that works wonders for one person might be less effective, or even uncomfortable, for another. Recognizing this, the fitness world is gradually moving away from the "do it this way or fail" mentality. Instead, we're embracing a more inclusive and adaptive approach. It's about understanding the principles behind each movement and then adapting them to fit our individual anatomy, goals, and circumstances.

See 2 versions of the Bulagrian Split Squat Here:

Notice that one targets the quadriceps a little more and the other targets the glutes a little more since there is more lengthening and tension applied to those respective tissues. I personally will normally put my foot more toward the middle of where I show it in the 2 examples. I also like to do it barefoot.

Embrace Your Inner Exercise Scientist

Experiment with exercise! By playing the role of both scientist and subject, you can discover what works best for you. This might mean adjusting your stance, experimenting with weights, or even modifying movements altogether to suit your needs better. The goal is to engage with exercises in a way that feels right for you and brings you closer to your objectives.

Listening to Your Body: The Ultimate Guide

One of the best tools you can use in selecting and modifying exercises and technique is to listen to your body. What movements help you plug into target areas, sensations, or perhaps work with greater tension in various muscle groups to get close to fatigue? We know that is very important for an exercise when it comes to size and strength gains, so pick what allows you to connect the best. Many types of exercise movements translate well to similar and even dissimilar ones both in the gym and the real world so feel free to take some liberties here.

The Call to Action: Forge Your Path

As you venture further into your fitness journey, remember that the path is yours to shape. Exercises, no matter how traditional or avant-garde, are tools at your disposal. It's up to you to use them in ways that best serve your goals and well-being. Don't shy away from experimenting, adapting, and rewriting the rules of your workout routine.

Similarly, don’t be afraid to put your own twist on an exercise or make your own! Afterall, that’s how much of this started.

In the grand tapestry of fitness, remember that there's no single "right" way to do an exercise. It's about finding what resonates with you, aligns with your goals, and enhances your life. So, go ahead, embrace the Bulgarian split squat in all its variations, or any other exercise for that matter.

And as always, I'm here to cheer you on, offer guidance, and celebrate every step of your journey. Let's keep the conversation going. Have you found an exercise modification that works wonders for you or maybe one that is giving you some difficulty?

Send me a message. I’d love to help.

Interested in what you can do to get the most out of your daily exercise routine and work 1:1 with a coach? For a free consult, sign up here.

Want an awesome 4 day workout plan that check all the boxes in 40-60 minutes? Check out the RB build daily programming- https://www.resilient-body.com/rb-build

As always, if you have any questions or just want to say hey, shoot us a message.