Do You Train, or Practice?

How you view this changes things.

We often look at "training" as something that runs alongside a goal - whether it be to lift a specific weight, participate in a competition or reach a specific bodyweight etc.

Training is usually based around a short or long term time frame, and the goals may also change to something completely different once reached.

When we think of a "practice", often Yoga or meditation comes to mind. 

Why?

Because these two disciplines are mostly focused on the journey itself. 

While there are still goals in mind, the awareness is on the small achievements and the present moment, rather than only the end goal. A practice usually denotes a long term approach towards something, even sometimes throughout a lifetime!

If we use handbalancing as an example, it's generally looked at by most practitioners as a practice. 

Whatever the specific goal is, it's usually a long term skill that would drive you mad if you only ever strived for and looked forward to the final glory.

If you were to look at the handstand as training, a lot of people would "train hard" every session with the end goal in mind... but you'll actually get the most long term benefit from seeing it in a different light - if you treat it as a practice, you still work hard, but a lot of the focus is on awareness (balance, kinesthetics, alignment etc) and making the small adjustments over time, rather than just busting out one more rep/second towards that goal.

If you begin to look at your sport, hobby, interest or activity from the eyes of a practice and turn your attention to the small achievements you make daily, this will make the long road towards your goals much more enjoyable, not to mention motivating when you feel like giving up (which happens to everyone!).

Take the time to slow down sometimes, shift your awareness and enjoy the process!