In fitness—and especially in strength training—there’s a subtle yet powerful difference between doing the reps and getting the reps done. While they may sound similar, the mindset behind each approach can have a profound impact on your progress, your health, and your long-term fitness.
Doing the Reps: Precision and Purpose
When you’re truly doing the reps, you’re fully present in each movement. Your focus is on quality, not just completion. Every rep is deliberate, performed with control, and designed to strengthen your body intentionally.
For example, think about a back squat
• Are you bracing your core?
• Are you maintaining tension in your glutes and quads?
• Are you driving through your heels as you stand up?
Doing the reps is about more than just moving the barbell—it’s about moving well. Each repetition becomes an opportunity to improve your technique, build strength, and create habits that support lifelong health and function. This approach doesn’t just maximize your results; it also minimizes your risk of injury and keeps your progress sustainable.
Getting the Reps Done: Rushing Through the Motions
In contrast, getting the reps done is when you’re simply focused on finishing your set. It might happen because you’re rushing, distracted, or just eager to move on to the next exercise.
When the goal is just to “get through it,” the quality of your movement often suffers:
• Your form may break down.
• You’re less likely to engage the right muscles.
• You miss the opportunity to make meaningful progress.
Take a kettlebell swing, for instance. If you’re just “getting it done,” you might rely on momentum instead of generating power from your hips. Over time, this approach can lead to poor movement patterns, plateaus, and even preventable injuries.
Why This Matters for Healthy Aging
If your goal is to age healthily, the difference between these two approaches becomes even more important. Strength training is about more than building muscle—it’s about preserving your independence, vitality, and ability to move through life with ease.
Intentional movement helps you maintain the strength, mobility, and balance needed for everyday tasks like carrying the shopping, going up the stairs, or playing with your grandchildren. By prioritising quality over quantity, you train your body to move efficiently, reducing wear and tear on your joints and improving your overall resilience.
Rushing through your reps, however, can undermine these benefits, leaving you vulnerable to poor habits and missed potential.
How to Stay Focused and Intentional
To shift from “just getting it done” to doing it right, focus on these four strategies:
1. Slow Down
Take your time with each rep. Strength is built through controlled, consistent effort—not speed. Slowing down gives you the opportunity to refine your technique and maximize each movement.
2. Ask for Coaching
Our team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to ask for guidance or a form check; even small adjustments can make a huge difference in your progress.
3. Stay Connected to Your Body
Pay attention to how your reps feel. Are you in control, or are you compensating? Listen to your body and adjust as needed to ensure each rep is effective and safe.
4. Celebrate Quality Over Quantity
Progress isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing better. Take pride in improving your form, range of motion, and control. Those victories are just as important as lifting heavier or completing more reps.
Let’s Make Every Rep Count
At our gym, we believe in training with intention. Strength isn’t about ticking off the sets or rushing through workouts—it’s about building a foundation of health, resilience, and confidence that lasts a lifetime.
The next time you step into the gym, ask yourself: Am I doing the reps, or just getting them done? With the right mindset, every rep becomes a step toward your goals—not just for today, but for the years ahead.
Let’s move with purpose. Let’s build a stronger, healthier you.
