Keep It Fresh

About three months ago I hit a wall. I couldn't see it, but I could feel it standing in my way. I would drag my body to the gym and try to push through this wall, but end up walking out frustrated and defeated by the weights. I was burned out. I'm pretty stubborn so I kept trying to push my way through the challenges, but to no avail. I told my training partner Andrew about my problem. He calmly looked at me smiled and said, "you need a change of scenery". I had been a member and employee at my gym for over six years. I knew every inch of that place like the back of my hand from the squat rack to the dumbbells. After a solid month of disappointing training sessions I decided to mix it up. My training partner and I got a free pass to a new gym nearby. After using the weeklong pass I was hooked. I signed up the very next day and I was astonished by the results. From day one I felt like I had a new swagger in my step. It was as if that wall between success and myself was torn down.

This example highlights the need for variety in every aspect of your workout. Just as you must change your workout stimulus to accomplish positive gains, you must also keep things fresh for your psychological health. Never let yourself become stagnant. Bodybuilding is full of variables that can be modified to always keep you mentally on point. Something as simple as a change of scenery can completely recharge your batteries. You may also consider changing your form of exercise for a week. If you are all about lifting heavy and getting big, try running for a change. The new form of stimulus is a great way to keep things fresh and it does wonders for your mental health. Another technique I recommend is something I call "gym hopping." Most gyms will give you a day pass to try the facility. Do some research on gyms in the area and try hitting up some new locations. My friends and I have made day trips to gyms across Michigan. We start the day with a hardcore workout at a fresh facility followed by a cheat meal fit to feed an army. We usually shut it down with a night of checking out the sites in the area.

If a trip to a new gym isn't in the cards right now try varying your routine. Think about your usually lifting patterns. Do you lift for 8 to 10 reps every time? What about your number of sets? Is it always three and out? Are you focused on slow and controlled lighter reps, or an all out assault on some heavy artillery? Figure out what your style is and throw it out the window. For a week try doing the opposite. Try a marathon set of 15 to 20 reps. Try slowing it down and focusing on form. Do whatever it takes to shock your body and mind out of the daily grind.

Everybody gets in a funk. To push through this barrier try throwing something new in the mix. I guarantee your body will thank you for the new challenge, and you might just break through that wall standing in your way. Give yourself a reason to remember why you hit the weights in the first place.

#plateau #gains #Variation