So you've set a goal and are extremely motivated. You have plan, a routine set, a diet written out, EVERYTHING seems to be in place and everything looks good. You come to a realization that you won't get stronger just because you want to and you start training to accomplish the goals that you have been thinking about for some time. The emotions and excitement to start lifting and training hype you up and you feel like you are building muscle just by thinking about it. The perfect mind-set to be in to go crush a workout!

Stop and Take a Breath!

All the hype and excitement to train is awesome, but people need to be careful to not overdo something their first bout in the weight room. Too many times I have seen people go in with every good intention in the world and they attack every body part and they keep going and going because, well, they feel 100 times better than they have before and they don't want to lose it. And the next day, the soreness is so unbearable that they literally are unable to continue the next day, and then DOMS kicks in, and then the guilty feeling that they went too hard, and finally the habit of justifying NOT going to the gym because "you don't want to overdo it again," "When you feel 100% again," or "Just a couple more days." And just as quickly as you start, you stop.

Training is a process that takes time. Well, DUH, everybody knows that. And as common sense would predict, we all do know this, we don't transform from skin and bones to Arnold Schwarzenegger in a night, but it still seems to be unavoidable the desire to not just start lifting, but to start lifting EVERYTHING.  One Step at a Time! That is the key phrase to today... I myself am needing to apply this into my training. The first step in my return to glory starts with re-obtaining my black belt in Taekwon-Do. It's been nearly 10 years since I practice a formal routine in martial arts, and my training starts from the ground up! As should everyone. Even if you are in shape, when you start a new routine or push for a new skill or sport, you must master the basics of that discipline before you become an expert... mastering the kinetic chain of the tasks, strengthening that basic movements, and developing muscle memory of the skills. Skipping these essential steps can cause gaps in the application of advanced techniques and inhibit progress.

These things take time. Athletics and sports aren't going away anytime soon and those that reach above the average ability take the time necessary and are patient with themselves and their gains! Let your workouts change you, One Step at a Time!

Every Day... A Little Stronger