Training for Skills vs Bodybuilding

Thus far in my career as a strength & conditioning coach and just generally as someone who enjoys training, the key takeaway from all my experiences has summated to one concept: Train for skills versus training to develop individual muscles or muscle groups; we have come to know the latter as bodybuilding. Training for skills involves a more holistic approach to training, which aligns with the philosophy of movement specialists like Ido Portal. Portal refers to bodybuilding as reverse engineering, a short-sighted approach that prioritizes aesthetics over function. Instead, he advocates for developing movement patterns, motor control, and neuromuscular adaptations that allow individuals to move more efficiently and effectively. This type of training emphasizes the use of compound movements, functional training, and movements that require full body integration, leading to a stronger, more resilient body that can perform a wide range of movements and activities. In recent years, I have taken up interests in various sports/methods of training, more specifically gymnastics, calisthenics, yoga, powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting to name a few. Now my goal was not to completely specialize in these activities, but to earn a high level of competency in them and develop an understanding of how to program elements of them for myself and athletes I work with. The development and outcome has been enlightening (not exaggerating), as I have witnessed significant improvements in my own movement, mobility, strength, and overall health. I have also been able to help my athletes achieve similar results.

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While bodybuilding methods can still have a place in certain training phases, they should not be the primary focus for individuals who want to develop a well-rounded and functional body, as training for skills promotes health and longevity while also allowing individuals to achieve their performance goals. The physiological benefits and adaptations that do occur from bodybuilding methods and hypertrophy phases of training should not be ignored, but these concepts should not be prioritized year-round, and are often planned poorly in most cases. Prolonged phases of this style of training can prove to be limiting and counterproductive, especially if you are an athlete or an individual whose goals pertain to being well-rounded and "healthy." Unfortunately, I have learned from these failures first-hand. As a young man, my goals weren't movement-oriented, they were purely based on aesthetics and being bigger and stronger than everyone else. As these "goals" came to fruition, my performance as an athlete decreased, I lost mobility and range of motion in my joints (especially hips and shoulders), and honestly, I started to develop what I refer to as a reverse eating disorder, in other words, I was convinced I HAD to eat every two hours and consume an unhealthy amount of protein.

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In summary, the benefits of training for skills over bodybuilding include a more holistic and sustainable approach to training, a stronger, more resilient body that is capable of performing a wide range of movements and activities, and a greater sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It is important to incorporate both approaches in a balanced and intelligent way, focusing on training for skills as the primary focus, while also utilizing bodybuilding methods as needed to achieve specific goals.