Training Rules
In this article, I will talk about the "rules" I have
defined for my training. These rules I use to govern
my training regiment.
Avoid Time Robbers:
First let me tell you what I would consider a time robber.
A time robber is someone who will not hesitate to
interrupt your intense training session with pointless
conversation or questions. I heard it described once by
a bodybuilder interviewed in a magazine in relation to
being asked questions while working out as, "Being asked
how to perform heart surgery in the middle of performing
heart surgery".
I could not have described it better. How
many times have you (my peers) experienced the constant
and seemingly endless flow of questions about your diet,
training regiment, etc. during or between sets. Yes, I
said "during". I have actually had persons ask me questions
while I was performing an exercise. Don't get me wrong,
I love to provide help to others and don't mind questions or
discussions while I'm not preparing for a contest.
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However,
during contest preparation I take my training seriously and
gym time is my time. To avoid the robbing of your time, don't
feel uneasy about shortening discussions or answers to questions
while you are working out. I have at times had to tell some
persons that I will contact them later and asked them to give me
their email address. This seems to help avoid a lengthy discussion
without causing hard feelings.
Everyone has very different goals
in the gym and many of the interruptions are in reality a
sort of compliment. Being asked advice is an appreciation for
what many of these "time robbers" see in you. Don't be angered
by them and remember their goals are totally different, however,
maintaining your training intensity is very important and should
not be sacrificed.
Positive Energy ONLY:
As I mentioned in article #2, it is very important to maintain
a positive atmosphere around you while training. No negative
thoughts or doubts should be allowed to interrupt your focus
during training. If you want to press those 100lbs dumbbells
for 12 reps today, then see it, say it, and DO IT!! Positive
thinking will make you push yourself when no one else can.
Believe that you are a winner and that you are the best and
it will show. I had someone ask me in preparation for a contest
if I thought I would win. My response was, "I train to win
and if the other guy doesn't, then that's his choice". That
is the mind-set that helped me stay positive and never doubt
myself without sounding arrogant or over-confident. I resolve
myself to always be prepared No Matter What. When you do that,
you will never regret a loss.
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"If I would of..." statements
must be removed. If you have a partner, it is even more
important to stay positive. I guarantee that you will have days
when you help your partner to focus and work harder purely
because they saw how hard and focused you were. The reverse
will be true for you. Leave the bad day at work, school, or
home at the gym door. Redirect the negative into a positive
and get ready to HIT IT HARD!!!
Lead By Example:
Bodybuilders possess leadership qualities. By defining an
objective or goal, creating a plan to achieve that goal, and
invoking action to attain that goal are all qualities of an
effective leader. Some will realize this and look to you
for inspiration. Always remember that whether you want
to or not, you will be noticed. With this in mind, it is
important to always set the example in the gym.
I always
enjoy hearing someone comment that they noticed how hard
I train, or how much I have improved. To me this means I
have accomplished not only personal achievements but I have
possibly lit the fire inside someone else. It is amazing
how easy it is to inspire others by just setting a good
example.
Be Flexible:
Being flexible means that you always have a contingency
plan when working out. Many times I have went to the gym
and I was prepared to hit squats first. I had my mind
focused on getting to that rack and..."BOOM"!!.. another
explosive leg workout.
Well, sometimes that rack is in-use
by others. I have seen people sit and wait for a piece
of equipment for 10, 15 minutes or more. Not me, I always
have a backup plan. In situations like that I will hit the
leg press first or any other press type machine.
In many
ways this is actually a good strategy because I work much
harder when I return to the squats I bypassed initially.
Never limit yourself by being too rigid. Always be flexible
in a changing environment. Adapting to a changing environment
will help you to reach new heights in your training regime.
Mentally Prepare:
Mental preparation is necessary throughout each and every
training day. I mentally prepare many times during the day.
During mental breaks at work, many times I will visualize
the workout I plan to do that evening.
I will see myself,
in my mind, doing an exercise. This type of meditation is
extremely helpful on those days when you don't feel like
going to workout.
Be Strong:
"Be Strong. We have hard work to do and heavy loads to
lift. Shall not the struggle for this is GOD's gift.
Be Strong." This is a rule to live by as well as to train
by. Never give up the struggle to realize your dreams.
It may take longer than you expect but it can happen.
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Winning an overall championship was my dream and it was
a special victory. As I had mentioned in my first article,
my father's passing, due to stomach cancer, inspired me to
compete in bodybuilding.
The competition that I won the
coveted overall championship, donated proceeds to the
American Cancer Society. It gives me chills each time I
think about it. The strength of mind that enabled me to
continue my path allowed me to finally reach that golden
shore.
"Failure is only a temporary situation; Giving up is what
makes it permanent."
Thanks,
wnbfprofessional@aol.com
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