There’s a law of the vital few named the Pareto Principle; it’s sometimes described as the 80/20 rule. Simply stated, it’s that roughly 80 percent of effects come from 20 percent of the causes.  I’ve heard about it before but never paid much attention to better understanding it.  Today, I decided to read more about it and see where this leads me.

An internet search indicates that in 1941, management consultant Joseph M. Juran, developed the concept in the context of quality control and improvement after reading the works of Italian sociologist and economist Vilfredo Pareto.  Pareto first wrote about the 80/20 connection while teaching at a university.  Pareto noted that approximately 80% of Italy's land was owned by 20% of the population.  

Might the Pareto Principle be relevant to my fitness training?

Absolutely and there’s no shortage of articles on the internet that you can find and read if you’re interested.  There’s no need for me to add my lengthy blabbering to what’s already out there.

For example, fitness training can be measured by its frequency and duration, such as the number of training days per week or the number of hours of fitness training per workout session.  Can I achieve 80 percent of my fitness results with 20 percent of effort?

What do you think?

I think so but I’m going to have to think about this some more and ask the tough question of what’s my 20 percent?

Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum

Service to our country

How time flies when we’re getting old.  Today I fondly remember my dearly departed Dad on his 99^th birthday.  I privately refer to him as the original, first generation, Pierini Fitness. 

While he has NOW been gone for twelve years, it seems like it was only yesterday when I was with him at our local YMCA weight room and he was explaining to me the nuances of performing barbell exercises correctly and safely.  My joy of fitness training has its origin in many sources but most notably the examples he set. 

He was a member of the “Great Generation” of men, defined as people born from 1901 to 1927.  They were shaped by the Great Depression and were the primary generation composing military forces during World War II. 

They became sailors and soldiers at an age when some had not officially entered manhood, an age that nowadays many are still acting like young boys playing video games in their parent’s basement.  

My Dad and many others answered the call to duty to serve their country during World War II and, today, we live in a better country because of them. 

Rest in peace sailor and thank you for your service to our country.

Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum