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The Word That Dare Not Speak Its Name

The Word That Dare Not Speak Its Name

Andy Stamford uses a word in the first five minutes of his interview with Lee Weems that is almost completely absent from the firearms training industry, and that word is “exercise.”

He’s using it in the military sense of the world, a designated practice session with an achievable goal, but let’s pause for a moment here. What is the #1 thing we want from our students? Regular practice, preferably using some of sort of standardized drill so they can measure their progress.

Isn’t that called “exercising?” Think about it. On those (far too infrequent) times I go to the gym, I set goals for myself. X number of pounds on the chest press. Y number of sit-ups. Z minutes of time on the treadmill. All the while, I am trying to get my muscles and my mind to work together to achieve those goals.

You know, exercising.

Which is exactly what dedicated students of armed self-defense should be doing. 15 minutes of dryfire, going through a “circuit” of reps from various position. Stress training with a timer. Even higher-stress training at a practical shooting match or at a force on force class.

You know, exercising.

Okay, I get that the word “exercise” is associated with things like eating your broccoli or doing your taxes, but all of us are familiar with the idea that regular exercise is good for you. Maybe we should start talking about how regular exercise of your shooting skills is good for you as well.