What is a system?

Systems are all around us. Our muscular system and nervous system allow us to move our skeletal system. The sun is in the middle of our solar system. How do we define what a system is?

 

A system is an interconnected group of elements that serve a function or purpose

 

There are three main components to a system, according to Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows.

Interconnectedness + Elements + Function or purpose​​​

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​Why are systems beneficial?

A system is adaptive, dynamic, goal-seeking, self-preserving, and evolutionary.

 

Systems are resilient. They’ll change as new inputs are added and outputs are altered. If something isn’t working, that system part can be analyzed and improved to complete our desired function or purpose.

 

Systems form hierarchies that provide stability and resilience. This allows different levels of a system to be delegated toward a certain task or outcome. This can be seen with our Tier system, which provides a starting place and an ending place for fitness outcomes.

 

A system’s behavior is revealed over time. This is a result of system structure, which can be modified for different behaviors.

 

To summarize why a fitness training system will help you, here is a list of bullet points:​

• The system will deliver a specific fitness outcome if utilized properly

• The system will be updated as new research is completed.

• The system is a framework that promotes consistency and accountability

• The system will allow progress tracking and improve motivation

• The system provides an entry point and an exit point through different interconnected elements

• The system will optimize your time and efforts

• The system will reduce the risk of injury and provide a gradual progression

• Combining different dimensions of fitness leads to holistic health​

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