Why You Must Specialize First

There are millions of websites devoted to fitness, workouts, and health. You can spend years reading books, magazines, websites, and blogs. There is more information that you can even use. So what do you do first when you want to get in shape?

Specialize. Learn one style or discipline and practice it for 6 months to a year before adding in new pieces. Don't worry about all the different equipment options or gym models. Just learn something and keep doing it--preferably something smart.

Pick a discipline that interests you-bodyweight exercises, kettlebells, olympic lifting, military-style fitness, etc. Then do it. Over. And over.

Why? Because the workout world can be confusing. And you can start to feel like you aren't good enough because you can't do it all. But 80% of fitness is showing up to do basic work. Nothing fancy. And in the process of learning one way, you'll learn how your body works and what works best for you.

When I started my fitness journey in 2009 I specialized in military-style bodyweight exercise. Now, I mix it up with kettlebell workouts and gymnastic exercises. Soon, I 'd like to throw in some sandbag work. But I'm so glad that I didn't have the equipment or knowledge to do it all at once.

So what is your specialty?