THE NEW NORM OF EXERCISING WITH PURE CONDITIONING

Editorial context: The new norm described in this Manhattan Digest feature is a slower, more focused approach to strength training. This new norm replaces a crowded gym experience with individualized instruction, controlled movement, deliberate breathing, and specialized equipment designed to help the client concentrate on each exercise.

Ever walk into a gym and instantly feel intimidated by all of the hefty machines and macho men around. Well walking into Pure Conditioning, I had those same anxieties, minus the spectators.

I was immediately captivated by the many heavy weighted instruments and started pondering to myself “Where are the cardio and elliptical machines?”, “What am I suppose to do on these?”

This training center is very unique in its class. Their approach to getting people in shape is completely different when compared to anything I experienced.

The trainers Daniel and Will gave me an extensive briefing about the facility and exactly what Pure Conditioning is and how it is more effective than the normal workout we do. Pure Conditioning allows the person to meditate and focus more while exercising at much slower and steady pace.

Yes I know this sounds crazy right , why would we want to exercise slow, but it actually makes sense. The slower you move while weight lifting the harder your muscles are working. “Static holds” and “negatives” are some of the techniques used while using the weight machines.

Furthermore, that is exactly what my body experienced. I never knew that I could lift anything over 50lbs, however using the Pure Conditioning techniques of breathing and focusing, I was able to lift 3x that amount.

With each new exercise I experienced a feeling of shakiness of pushing myself simultaneously with a sense of pride of actually pushing myself.

This ideology of pushing yourself to the limit is the exact basis of Pure Conditioning which is why some people prefer it.

Why Controlled Strength Training Felt Like a New Norm

The article presents the new norm as an exercise experience built around concentration rather than speed. Slow lifting, static holds, controlled lowering, and close instruction place attention on muscular effort and movement quality instead of simply completing more repetitions.

This new norm of guided exercise also addresses the intimidation that some people feel in conventional gyms. A private, guided session gives the trainer room to explain the equipment, adjust the exercise, monitor form, and help the client progress through unfamiliar strength movements with greater confidence.

Article originally published in Manhattan Digest by Clarissa Shine.