Simplify, simplify, simplify.
This pretty much sums up my approach to the world of health and fitness right now. It is very easy to get confused, overwhelmed and downright discouraged by all of the information out there. In today's day and age, information on nutrition and training is plentiful. But there are 4 problems with fitness information today.
The first problem is that there is too much of it.
The second problem is that much of it is conflicting.
The third problem is that some of it actually works, for somebody.
The fourth problem is that much of it doesn't work, for everybody.
So what to do?
First off, decide upon one "source" or coach to get your information from. Whether this is your doctor, your trainer, your coach or your chiropractor; you need to find someone who you trust. What do I mean by trust? Someone who you believe knows their stuff. Someone who walks the talk. Most importantly, someone who cares about you and your goals and results above all else. Once you have that person that you trust, listen to them and don't get distracted by all of the other noise.
If you choose me as your coach, here is what I suggest (in a nutshell).
Train with one goal- To get stronger and build muscle. There is not a single person or a single goal that I can think of or that I have ever heard that would not benefit tremendously from building muscle and getting stronger.
Want to lose weight? Lift weights, get stronger and build muscle.
Want to tone up and lean out? Lift weights, get stronger and build muscle.
Want to look great naked? Lift weights, get stronger and build muscle.
Want more energy and stamina to play sports or keep up with your kids? Lift weights, get stronger and build muscle.
Want to be better in the sack? Lift weights, get stronger and build muscle (kidding, but actually that's true too..)
Ok so you get the idea. Lift weights and get stronger. Everything else will follow.
Now along the lines of simplifying- The reason I always emphasize the need for a PLAN when you go to the gym is that if you don't have a solid and simple plan of what you need to accomplish at the gym each day, you will flounder around doing what you "feel" like doing each time and that doesn't work.
Training isn't meant to be fun and it doesn't need to be different every time. What it needs to be is progressive, meaning it challenges you more each time and that it makes you stronger over time. That's it.
So keep it to a few great exercises, make sure you push yourself as much as possible on those exercises and get as strong as you possibly can on those exercises.
Nutrition is similar. Simplify, simplify, simplify. More on that next blog..
