21/03/2017
Goal Setting.
Every month, week, day, session and lift should propel you towards a desired target. There are some important things to consider however if you are entirely new to the gym.
1) Initially, many training methods will wield similar results. Training for physique? You'll also get stronger. Training for strength? You'll end up looking better. Lift weights, do cardio, eat better will give you a great start to any goal.
2) Be honest with yourself. Training twice a week is better than not training, but don't expect spectacular results. You get out what you put in
3) Be honest with yourself pt II. Instagram fitness models, bodybuilders, pro athletes and many others are made by a combination of good genetics, years of hard work and extremely diligent nutrition & training. You won't look like them unless you can meet these criteria
4) Look at the bigger picture. It's not about where you are in a month, 3 months or even a year. Build habits and develop your own preferences.
5) If you can't lose weight and think that you don't eat much, you probably eat too much. If you are skinny and cant put on weight you probably don't eat enough. Once you accept this fact the solution becomes much more accessible. Similarly (mainly for guys) those who think they need to cut usually need to spend more time adding muscle mass. Those who think they need to stick out this bulk another few months should probably try to lose a bit
6) Make sure your lifestyle is compatible with your goals. If you want to look like someone who trains 5 times per week and has a perfect diet, chances are the weekend binges will have to go.
7) If you can't tell me your daily caloric requirements, you don't need supplements. If you don't know how much protein you're consuming on a daily basis, you don't need whey protein. If you train less than 4 times per week, you don't need BCAA's. You don't need fat burners. Period.
Calories > Macros > Consistency > Supplements
8) Don't train how professional athletes train. Train how they trained when they were starting out that got them to where they are. Similarly to this, if you are looking for quality programmes, follow coaches, not athletes (Juggernaut Training Systems, Kizen Training, Alan Thrall etc)
9) Commit to a programme. Programmes guide your training and give your sessions a purpose. Find a free programme or buy one from a coach or PT and commit to it. An average programme stuck to with consistency far far outweighs a great programme that isn't followed
10) Just start. Training is a journey that will change your life if you commit to it. Bodybuilding, crossfit, powerlifting, athletics whatever your style is, it is a fantastic community full of wonderful people who just want to better themselves.
