Walk into any gym and you will see a surprising number of well-meaning bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts hoisting weights with all the finesse of a steamroller. These same people will invariably shorten their range of motion so as to lift more weight than would otherwise be possible. For them, training appears to be a battle against the iron from which they hope to emerge victorious. These people clearly prefer to exercise their egos. Why such an emphases on moving maximal poundage at the expense of training form? And why do so many people rush though their workouts as if each rep might be their last? It seems that in today’s fast-paced world we are encouraged to get whatever job we are doing done as fast as possible, to maximize efficiency and productivity. This same focus on immediate gratification often applies to the results we hope to gain through our training efforts. Not only do we expect to completely transform our bodies in a few short weeks, but we also feel compelled to hit the weights and cardio as fast as we can, and then, ironically, spend the best part of our lives undermining the small amount of progress we have made inside the gym.

The first key to lifelong body transformation progress requires us to understand the importance of quality training; controlled, full-range-of-motion reps, plenty of intensity and realistic training goals must take precedence over fast-paced training efforts where form is sacrificed in exchange for the ego-gratifying feeling of pressing weights that do very little to create the conditions for muscle growth (rather than fully stimulating the muscles, such training merely taxes the joints and prevents us from fulfilling our bodybuilding potential). Interestingly, correct training, though time-consuming to ultimately perfect, will, over the long term, prove a more efficient way to maximize results as an incorrect approach will take you that much longer to benefit from (if, in fact, it benefits you at all!). Another key to transformation success is to never quit while you are ahead; when you do begin experiencing training success, do not become complacent. You know how long it took to create your perfect look; why undermine your training efforts by eating like a pig and tapering back on your training intensity and form. In fact, once we have achieved the physique we want, this is when the real work begins. To maintain a great physique requires strict adherence to a quality nutritional regime and training program. And all of the excuses in the world will not compensate for a personal failure to remain committed to maintaining a body to be proud of.  

 About the author:

David Robson is a New Zealand-based professional freelance writer, book author, personal trainer and health and fitness expert. With his sound scientific and academic credentials he has helped thousands of people achieve their health and fitness goals both through his written works and guidance. As a staff writer, David’s articles can be read in leading health and fitness periodical Status Fitness Magazine. David can be contacted at: davidrobson19@hotmail.co.nz or at his website: davidrobsonelite.com