Training vs. Working Out – There’s a Big Difference

One of the biggest mistakes athletes make is thinking that training and working out are the same thing.

They’re not.

Working out is random. It’s showing up, throwing a bunch of exercises together, and hoping you get better. There’s no clear direction, no purpose beyond “get a sweat in.”

Training is different. Training has a plan. It’s structured. There’s a reason behind every movement, every set, every rest period. Point A is designed to take you to point B, and that sets you up to eventually reach point C.

With training, today’s session sets the stage for tomorrow. And tomorrow builds on what you did yesterday. It stacks. That’s how real progress is made.

If you’re an athlete, you need to train. Not just work out.

Now, that doesn’t mean extra workouts are bad. Getting extra reps is always a good thing—if it fits within the plan. But if all you’re doing is guessing, you’re not really moving forward, you’re just moving.

Train with intent. Train with structure. That’s how you separate yourself.