The Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 principle, states that in many situations around 80% of the results are generated by 20% of the causes. It was named after the Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto.
The Pareto principle is used in various areas as a model in business, management and personal development.
Examples of this are that 80% of a company’s turnover is generated by only 20% of its customers. Or that 80% of the problems that occur in a project are caused by 20% of the errors. It can also mean that 80% of the time we spend on a task only accounts for 20% of the actual progress.
The Pareto principle can therefore be used as a tool to prioritize and increase efficiency. By focusing on the 20% of things that have the greatest impact, you can use your time more effectively and achieve better results.
The bottom line is to understand that a small number of things generate the majority of the results.
How can this principle help you with your training success and progress?
In terms of your fitness training, this means that 80% of your progress and results can be achieved through 20% of the training methods or exercises you use.
So don’t waste your time with some “fancy” ready-made workouts from the internet. Or tips and advice from “influencers” on how to get your dream body in 6 weeks #impossible.
Training with a number of different exercises for each muscle group is also rarely recommended, as it ultimately fails to provide the desired training stimulus.
If at all, you will achieve 20% progress here, but never 80%.
Train exercises such as squats (in any variation), deadlifts (in any variation), pull-ups or other pulling exercises and bench presses (in any variation).
All of these exercises should be included in your training in various forms, as they target the most muscles and therefore boost your calorie consumption most effectively.
20% of these basic exercises make up 80% of your training progress.
What you also need is a training program that is individually tailored to your needs and allows you to make the best possible progress within your own framework.
So use one correct training method instead of trying out lots of different ones with no rhyme or reason.
Which is the right method for you?
A well-trained trainer who understands his craft can help you with this.
Invest 20% of your time in the search for a professional and get 80% output in terms of your training success.
The Pareto principle can also be applied to nutrition.
Here you should first focus on the 20% of nutritional basics that offer you the greatest nutritional value and added value. These should have the greatest impact on your health and well-being before you try the next detox, fasting or pseudo-scientific diet, 80% of which promise no long-term success.
Ultimately, the comparison between the Pareto Principle and fitness training is that both aim to maximize efficiency and effectiveness by focusing on the things that have the greatest impact.
I wish you every success in optimizing your training with the Pareto principle.