Today's blog post is a bit of a shorter one. I've been spending most of the afternoon re-designing my website to look a bit more professional. Let me know if you like it.
It isn't uncommon for me to be stopped during my workout, at the trainers desk, or even in the middle of session (grrrrrr) by someone interested in my acumen. Most of the time I'm asked the same question...How did you get to be so good looking?
Completely joking, I'm often asked...
"How did I see results faster? I'm doing everything I can to "insert goal" here. "
I don't want to be a negative Nancy here, but chances are you are not doing everything you should be doing to achieve your goal. Those that are doing "everything" are usually at, or within a few standard deviations, of their primary training goal.
Most of my recommendations focus on increasing protein intake, decreasing sugar and fat consumption, limiting booze and mazimizing sleep. I often recommend going heavier, working faster, doing supersets, or adding more Britney Spears to the playlist....whatever works........
Much of this is so individualized that it requires diving down that rabbit hole and examining intricate parts of that person's lifestyle. You can always find the answer though, and that is promising.
Individualized examinations don't make for good blogging fodder, so here goes!
Here are two, no shit, get legit, ways that you can improve your workouts and see faster results NOW!
1. Have a Plan, and Execute it!
I would argue that one of the easiest ways to make an hour disappear without accomplishing much would be to go to the gym without any idea of what you are going to do. There will some elliptical, some gurls, an attempt at a squat, some stretching and abs, and a lot of foam rolling (laying on a foam roller texting your friends).
That needs to stop. If we are going to see change, then we need a method to our madness.
Take some time out of your schedule and do some research on your goal. Find out what works, and find workouts that help you achieve it.
For example, if you are training for a race, or just want to perform better, you can check out my newest article in MetRx Magazine " No Holes in Your Game".
Plug plug plug
Seriously though, it is critical to know what you are doing when you go in to the gym. Don't wander, and dont' wonder. Set out for that first piece of equipment knowing how many sets and reps you are going to do and why you are doing it in the first place.
Goal achievement requires goal acceptance. If you want to win the Superbowl, then you need to accept many days of long practices, film study, sore muscles, and ice tubs. Then, after seventeen weeks of games, and three weeks of playoffs; you must accept that you will have 60 minutes to cement your legend.
Accept the work that neccessary, and achievement becomes easier.
2. Find someone Better than You
This could be your best friend who has been working out for years. It could be your co-worker down the way who has got that rockin' body and always goes to the gym while you sneak into Walgreens and buy a bottle of 14.99 wine.
It could also be a personal trainer, strength coach, or instructor who has a clue.
Point is, we all need to be pushed. Try as we might we are not all self-activators. Some of us need a kick square in the ass to get into gear.
When I was growing up that was me. I was more than content to skip homework, play playstation, and smash chocolate pop tarts until I got told to go to bed. Sure, I played some sports and did OK in school, but I certainly wasn't curing diseases, getting into Harvard, or even making a Duct Tape tux for a free scholarship.
It took a special professor (Dr. Bauer) and a real passion to chase to get me going.
Maybe your friends can be that passion. Maybe it is that trainer with those muscleyyyy arms. It doesn't matter. Be pushed, be great.
Pair up, set a time, and be consistent. You'll be suprised what happens when you are competing with someone just how hard you'll push.
Wrap Up
The theme here is being held accountable. By a program, and by a partner. Success isn't easy and it always requires sacrifice. Seek to be better than you were yesterday and you'll always make improvements in some way.
Till the next one'
Kevin
