When faithfully practised, these disciplines produce Christ-like results. All of us are creatures of habit, not only in what we do but also in the way we think and react. These habits predispose us to respond in certain ways when we are caught off guard. For example, if it is my habit to become angry when my plans are frustrated, I will usually become angry even if I hate myself later. Part of the life of discipleship is to learn a new set of habits.
Training involves learning habit patterns that open the door for the development of godliness.
It is clear from 1 Timothy that this training is something Timothy should do, not something God would do for him. However, the disciplines themselves cannot produce spiritual maturity. They can only prepare the ground for it to happen. I think of them as windows. I cannot make the sun shine, but I can open the curtains.