I agree with every activity you recommend, even down to suggesting Starting Strength. > Literally one day of focused thinking can outflank a week or more of po

I agree with every activity you recommend, even down to suggesting Starting Strength. > Literally one day of focused thinking can outflank a week or more of pointless execution, even at the beginning. This (and the many other replies) make me think I did a poor job of expressing myself. I absolutely, 100%, do not think people should screw around for a week before figuring out the right way to do things. I am a huge fan of thinking. I write out long, detailed syllabuses for my students and myself. I am constantly trying to improve both my skills and my process. And I think most people would be well served to do more of that. I only see one real difference between your comment and what I suggested. I think when someone wants to start weightlifting, they shouldn’t reach for a book first. Do a tiny workout first. Maybe what you remember from PE, maybe life that heavy box in the garage 5 times. Then, with one shitty workout under your belt, open the book and do better next time.