Definition
The training law stating you get good at what you actually practice, meaning endless bicep curls won't magically improve your marathon time. It's fitness's way of saying 'be realistic about cause and effect.'
Example Usage
Following the specificity principle, she trained with heavy barbell work to improve powerlifting performance, not TRX and kettlebells.
Origin
From exercise science principles of training adaptation
Fun Fact
The specificity principle is why CrossFit athletes are good at CrossFit but don't necessarily dominate specialized sports—being okay at everything means being elite at nothing.
Source: Exercise science textbooks and training theory
Related Terms
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