Sunday, May 5, 2013

Back To Basics... Things I Have Learned

It has been a long journey, and every time I feel I found that my thing I end up hating it with in a couple of months.  So I started asking myself some very serious questions.  Why am I doing all these different things?  Do I really even like what I have been doing?  Why did I ever stop lifting heavy?  I found one answer to them all.  I was constantly comparing my- self to others. 
There is only one you, stop looking in the mirror and judging yourself.  Stop stepping on the scale and placing your self-worth in a number. 
There are only two major truths when it come to training, nutrition is your most important tool and true strength trumps fads.  If you are strong and mobile you can take life by the horns and win.  True strength can improve your self-confidence, your quality of life, and give you a goal and quest, something that is greatly lacking in today's culture.
This is a call to arms, a line drawn in the sand, or a gauntlet thrown down... EAT RIGHT AND GET STRONGER!
Now, many ask how do I do this? 
First, clean up that diet.  This doesn't mean eating less or counting calories.  It means eating quality non-proceeded foods.  I personally love the Paleo diet (link in the side bar). 
Second, strip your training down and get back to basics.  Starting Strength is an excellent program.  Get a notebook and track your progress.  Seeing increases in strength every training session is more rewarding then watching the scale fluctuate everyday.  If you need help or don't know how to do the exercises get a coach.  I am not talking about a trainer who will give you a cookie cutter program of curls and cardio, I'm talking about a strength coach.  One who can guide you and motivate you.  If you can't find anyone worth a damn in the gym you are at.  Email me or message me on facebook.  Either I will help you, if you are local, or help you find someone in your area.
Finally, get some rest.  There are thousands of studies about how sleep and recovery are as important as the training itself.
You may notice I didn't mention anything about a CARDIO program.  First things first.  GET STRONG!
Monday's Training
Squat 3x5
Bench 3x5
Deadlift 1x5
Note: Warm up: Shoulder mobility, and at least 5 warm up sets of each exercise.
Cool down: more mobility work
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.  The most certain way to succeed is always to try, one more time."
Thomas Edison