It’s April, and by now the resolution crowd has already thinned considerably. Even if you can’t identify with the guy who starts out strong on Jan. 1 and then quits a few weeks later, you probably can identify with the ebb and flow of periods of success and periods of stagnation. There are days, weeks, months, even years when everything seems to click. Then there’s the flip side of the coin—the times when you’re hampered by injuries, lack of motivation or energy, or no clear goal.There’s no way to completely eliminate setbacks, but the most successful guys in the gym—and in life—find a way to minimize them. Having been able to stay at or near peak condition for three decades and counting, I know how to maximize the periods when I’m making size and strength gains, and these are the seven best tips I can offer.
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Be Consistent
This is an obvious one, but it will always be No. 1. Without consistency, you might hit the occasional peak, but you’ll hit depressing valleys just as often. You are the sum total of what you do most of the time, not some of the time.
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Set Specific Goals
Don’t ever set a goal of “losing weight.” Instead, set a goal to drop 5% body fat by the first of next month. Write it down on an index card and look at it every day. If you see it written down, it will grow in your mind.
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Scare Yourself
You’re stronger than you realize. Forget the 55-pound dumbbells you always grab. This time, pick up the 75s. You’ll be fine. Really.
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Be Patient
If you truly believe that you’ll meet your goal, then you will. Keep working. Getting pissed that it’s not happening fast enough does absolutely nothing for you.
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Be a Baby
Sounds stupid. It’s not. Eat whole, natural foods, get to bed early, take naps…bodybuilders do the same thing.
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Switch Partners
This is just as important as the other variables in your program. If you’ve been training with the same buddy for a long time, you’re in a comfort zone that needs to be broken. Get a new partner who’s stronger than you for a while. It’s a sure plateau buster.
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Take Preventative Measures
This means stretching, foam rolling, chiropractic visits, massages— anything that’s going to help you recover. Guys who overlook this will pay the price one day.
It’s April, and by now the resolution crowd has already thinned considerably. Even if you can’t identify with the guy who starts out strong on Jan. 1 and then quits a few weeks later, you probably can identify with the ebb and flow of periods of success and periods of stagnation. There are days, weeks, months, even years when everything seems to click. Then there’s the flip side of the coin—the times when you’re hampered by injuries, lack of motivation or energy, or no clear goal.
There’s no way to completely eliminate setbacks, but the most successful guys in the gym—and in life—find a way to minimize them. Having been able to stay at or near peak condition for three decades and counting, I know how to maximize the periods when I’m making size and strength gains, and these are the seven best tips I can offer.
Be Consistent
This is an obvious one, but it will always be No. 1. Without consistency, you might hit the occasional peak, but you’ll hit depressing valleys just as often. You are the sum total of what you do most of the time, not some of the time.
Set Specific Goals
Don’t ever set a goal of “losing weight.” Instead, set a goal to drop 5% body fat by the first of next month. Write it down on an index card and look at it every day. If you see it written down, it will grow in your mind.
Scare Yourself
You’re stronger than you realize. Forget the 55-pound dumbbells you always grab. This time, pick up the 75s. You’ll be fine. Really.
Be Patient
If you truly believe that you’ll meet your goal, then you will. Keep working. Getting pissed that it’s not happening fast enough does absolutely nothing for you.
Be a Baby
Sounds stupid. It’s not. Eat whole, natural foods, get to bed early, take naps…bodybuilders do the same thing.
Switch Partners
This is just as important as the other variables in your program. If you’ve been training with the same buddy for a long time, you’re in a comfort zone that needs to be broken. Get a new partner who’s stronger than you for a while. It’s a sure plateau buster.
Take Preventative Measures
This means stretching, foam rolling, chiropractic visits, massages— anything that’s going to help you recover. Guys who overlook this will pay the price one day.
