STOP Searching for the “Perfect Exercise” — Here’s What Actually Matters

Every month, fitness magazines churn out the same recycled headlines:

“6 Exercises You Must Do This Summer!”

“The One Move Every Athlete Needs!”

“Secret Workout Pros Don’t Want You To Know!”

And every month, people get sucked straight back into the trap.

Let me save you some time (and frustration):

Exercise selection is massively overrated.

Yes — I said it.

And if more people understood this, they’d stop second-guessing themselves and finally start progressing.

The Real Problem: We’ve Been Sold the Wrong Idea

Magazines, influencers, and fitness trends all push the same belief:

👉 There’s a perfect exercise for every muscle.

👉 If you’re not doing THE exercise, you’re missing out.

👉 There’s always a better move out there.

So people jump from workout to workout…

…scroll from reel to reel…

…switch programmes constantly…

And never get good at anything.

What Actually Matters (and It’s Much Simpler)

1. Consistency beats novelty — always

People don’t need a “new best move”.

They need something they can show up for week after week.

A mediocre exercise done consistently will outperform the “perfect” exercise you never stick with.

2. Progression is where the magic happens

Whether you squat with a barbell, kettlebell, dumbbell, landmine, or sandbag…it doesn’t matter.

What matters is:

  • You start at the right level

  • You add load, reps, or difficulty over time

  • You keep progressing for months, not days

Strength comes from progression, not the specific tool.

3. Real people need real variations

Fitness magazines use one body type:

Lean, long limbs, flawless mobility.

Real people have:

  • Old injuries

  • Busy lives

  • Limited flexibility

  • Shorter or longer limb lengths

  • Different strengths and weaknesses

So instead of forcing everyone into a textbook movement…

We adjust the movement to fit your body, not the other way around.

4. Think in “movement patterns,” not exercises

Here’s where training becomes simple — genuinely simple.

There are only five patterns you need to hit:

  • Squat

  • Hip hinge

  • Push

  • Pull

  • Carry / Core

Pick a version of each that works for you, progress it, and you’re golden.

No magic exercises.

No secrets.

No overthinking.

5. Coaching > magazine prescriptions

A magazine doesn’t know:

  • You’re 46 with a stiff back

  • You’re a rugby player in pre-season

  • You’re juggling work, kids, and limited training time

  • You’re new and nervous

A good coach listens, adapts, adjusts, and keeps you progressing — safely and consistently.

That’s the difference between random training…

…and training that actually works.

Here’s the Real Truth

You only need two exercises for every movement pattern:

1️⃣ The version you can do safely today

2️⃣ The slightly harder version you’ll progress to next

That’s it.

Everything else is noise created to sell magazines, boost clicks, and keep people confused.

Strength is simple when you stop chasing perfection and start doing what works.

Want Training That Fits You (Not a Magazine Template)?

Strength Made Simple builds programmes for real people with real lives.

If you’re tired of:

  • Conflicting advice

  • Feeling unsure if you’re “doing the right thing”

  • Jumping between workouts

  • Not seeing progress

…then it’s time for a simpler, smarter approach.

👉 Book a consult and get a plan tailored to you — not the fitness industry’s sales agenda.

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