In this episode of Let Me Introduce You, Adarian and Jen dive into the differences between open and closed environments and how they impact athletic training and performance.

A closed environment is predictable and controlled—think of a gym setting, where conditions remain constant. There's no unexpected wind, rain, or an opponent coming at you. In contrast, an open environment introduces unpredictability—external factors like moving opponents, variable surfaces, and changing conditions that athletes must constantly adapt to.

The discussion highlights a critical flaw in many training programs: preparing for open-environment sports using closed-environment methods. While controlled settings allow for skill development, they fail to replicate the unpredictable nature of real competition. No amount of sterile drills or simulated exercises can fully prepare an athlete for what happens in a live game. The best way to get better in an open environment? Experience it.

Other key takeaways:✅ Practicing in a controlled environment doesn’t translate to real-game unpredictability.✅ Many athletes unknowingly train compensations rather than functional movement.✅ The best performers spend the bulk of their time in open environments, not just refining skills but also adapting to real-world conditions.

The conversation also touches on common training misconceptions, the limitations of closed-environment simulations, and why experience is the best teacher when it comes to handling unexpected challenges in sports.

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