Question: Ever find yourself in a rut at the gym? You want to follow my training techniques, but can’t find your determination and drive? What can you do to push yourself beyond the mediocre performance you’ve experienced?
Answer: There is not an easy answer to this question. A lack of commitment or drive is hard to overcome. Everyone wants the results without the hard work. You need to force yourself to go to the gym and, hopefully, when you see/feel the results you will be motivated. The more you force yourself, the more it becomes a habit. Habits are easy to follow. What I recommend is not quitting, because quitting can become a habit.
Once you’re at the gym, see if it motivates you. Are there people there who impress you and can help drive you. If you are not motivated by the gym you go to, then look for another gym. If you don’t come to Pat’s Gym, you should try it. Its athletes are very motivating, and welcome newcomers.
Also, when you workout don’t cheat. Use full range of motion, don’t jerk it, use perfect form, and don’t cut down on the sets or reps. Recognize when you cheat, the only person you cheating is yourself. Why would you do that to yourself.
If you’re not one who is motivated by feeling and looking good, then reward yourself. Earn that next nice meal or trip you’ve been wanting. If you can’t afford such a reward, then give yourself penalties at the gym. If you can do so many reps or sets of something, then you don’t have to do a tough exercise at the gym. If the risks and penalties are great enough and unavoidable, you’ll do the work. Trust me.
With working out, the most important thing to remember is that repeated actions become habits, and habits are easy to sustain. Above all, remember to enjoy the journey. You will enjoy it once you see the results, and feel the energy and strength that comes along with working out on a regular basis.
