I stared in disbelief as the resident “master” trainer in the gym put her client through a set of TRX single leg squats (suspension based exercises done while holding a set of straps connected to a chin-up bar). The problem that I had with the scene being played out before me was this: his technique sucked…he was doing less than partial squats. And all the while he had a look of sheer boredom on his face.
This “master’ trainer never took the time to correct his technique, encourage him to push himself more or to even comment on his form. She just stared blankly at him like a drunken horticulturist watching a hibiscus grow.
And the client, who I assume is training with her to drop some of the 50 plus pounds of excess fat he’s currently carrying, is simply getting fatter and fatter. I've observed this first-hand over the last several weeks.
All of this made me ponder the following question: What kind of person gets results from their training?
My answer: everyone.
I guess what I’m trying to convey here is that in order to achieve some level of success in the gym or from your training, you’ve got to better define what “success” means to you. You’ve got to have a goal.
In truth, everyone gets results. A bank robber gets results. A heroin addict gets results. An overeater gets results. The measure of those results, for the purpose of this exposition, is this: are they measurable, positive and life affirming results?
In my view, a successful life can be boiled down to one thing: many years of overall success.
Let’s think in terms of baseball…my favorite sport. If we approach the plate and hit singles and doubles consistently, we will have a successful baseball career. Success in these terms means A) getting to bat often, and B) making contact with the ball and putting it in play often.
If we do that, we stay in the game and have opportunities for more success. Failure to hit little victories on a regular and consistent basis means we risk being pulled from the line-up or being kicked off the team. Therefore, we’ve got to do our best each and every day.
When we do this, every so often a pitch comes across the plate that is so good we simply hit it out of the park. Not often, maybe…but often enough that it spurns us on to greater and greater achievement and keeps our spirits high. But it is all contingent upon staying at bat and hitting those simple little grounders and base hits. Failure to do that ruins every chance for the homer.
The bottom line here is this: No one gets a free pass. You cannot “coast” yourself to a successful life, or in this case, successful fat loss and good health. You must approach each and every day with a positive mental attitude and desire to compete. Consistency and effort in everything you do will produce astounding results, beyond anything you may be able to comprehend.
And just so you know, when I talked about “results” earlier, I mean results that are measurable and positive and almost without exception in your long term best interest. Remember, everyone gets results…regardless of the nature or motive of their actions.
What results are you after?
What are you doing on a consistent and regular basis to achieve them?
If you’re not currently satisfied with the results you’re getting from your fitness and fat loss program, come see me. The Firestorm Fitcamps may have the answers you’ve been looking for.
Steve
