Weight training is such a complex topic. There is just SO much information out there. It can be especially overwhelming for beginners searching for information.
So today I want to break it down into simple terms and cover 6 little known facts about weight training.
1. It’s not a competition
Sometimes one of the biggest obstacles in the way of beginners is the intimidation factor at the gym. You look around and you see people who are in much better shape than you and they look like they know what they’re doing. It can send you running the other direction very quickly.
I encourage you to forget about everyone else at the gym. Unless you’re into bodybuilding competitions, weight training is simply not a competition. The only competition you need to worry about is the person standing in the mirror.
Also, I suggest you don’t go crazy trying to compete with your friends to see who can lift the heaviest weight. Lift the heaviest weight you can with good form. Just because the guy across the gym can lift twice as much weight as you doesn’t mean you need to lift that amount of weight too. Do what’s good for you and leave it at that.
2. You won’t get very far without good nutrition
I truly believe that having good nutrition is more important than weight training itself. If you’re not eating enough of the right foods or too many of the bad foods you’re shortchanging your gains.
3. It’s a marathon, not a sprint
Weight training is something that takes consistent effort over a long period of time to see results. The reality is, it takes 2-6 months of consistent effort to notice any significant changes. And even longer to fine-tune your body and get it exactly where you want it. Minor changes will begin to occur within weeks, but significant changes take much longer.
4. Injuries are real
Be aware that weight training injuries are real and they do happen. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help or a spot if you think you need it.
5. It’s a lifestyle
Weight training is no different. It’s a lifestyle. The weight training lifestyle means going to the gym or working out at home on a consistent basis, focusing on meeting your nutritional needs, and getting quality rest.
Train. Eat. Rest. Repeat.
6. Muscles don’t grow without progressive overload
The fact of the matter is that muscles don’t grow without progressive overload. Muscles are constantly adapting and changing to meet the demands we place on them. Going to the gym and lifting the same weights with the same intensity day in and day out will eventually stall you in your tracks.
How do you get around this issue?
Change up your exercises
Decrease the amount of rest time between sets/exercises
Increase the amount of weight you are lifting
Increase the number of sets and/or reps in your daily workout.
So today I want to break it down into simple terms and cover 6 little known facts about weight training.
1. It’s not a competition
Sometimes one of the biggest obstacles in the way of beginners is the intimidation factor at the gym. You look around and you see people who are in much better shape than you and they look like they know what they’re doing. It can send you running the other direction very quickly.
I encourage you to forget about everyone else at the gym. Unless you’re into bodybuilding competitions, weight training is simply not a competition. The only competition you need to worry about is the person standing in the mirror.
Also, I suggest you don’t go crazy trying to compete with your friends to see who can lift the heaviest weight. Lift the heaviest weight you can with good form. Just because the guy across the gym can lift twice as much weight as you doesn’t mean you need to lift that amount of weight too. Do what’s good for you and leave it at that.
2. You won’t get very far without good nutrition
I truly believe that having good nutrition is more important than weight training itself. If you’re not eating enough of the right foods or too many of the bad foods you’re shortchanging your gains.
3. It’s a marathon, not a sprint
Weight training is something that takes consistent effort over a long period of time to see results. The reality is, it takes 2-6 months of consistent effort to notice any significant changes. And even longer to fine-tune your body and get it exactly where you want it. Minor changes will begin to occur within weeks, but significant changes take much longer.
4. Injuries are real
Be aware that weight training injuries are real and they do happen. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help or a spot if you think you need it.
5. It’s a lifestyle
Weight training is no different. It’s a lifestyle. The weight training lifestyle means going to the gym or working out at home on a consistent basis, focusing on meeting your nutritional needs, and getting quality rest.
Train. Eat. Rest. Repeat.
6. Muscles don’t grow without progressive overload
The fact of the matter is that muscles don’t grow without progressive overload. Muscles are constantly adapting and changing to meet the demands we place on them. Going to the gym and lifting the same weights with the same intensity day in and day out will eventually stall you in your tracks.
How do you get around this issue?
Change up your exercises
Decrease the amount of rest time between sets/exercises
Increase the amount of weight you are lifting
Increase the number of sets and/or reps in your daily workout.
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