The Most STUPID Workout Ever!

Being in and around the fitness industry for over two decades, I’ve come across an extreme number of individuals who “work out” on a regular basis.

I’ve put “work out” in quotes because even though they are physically at the gym pushing weights around, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are “working out”.  More than likely they don’t have a clue! These people; and I bet you could identify a few in your facilities; are just taking up space and preventing people who legitimately know what it means to aim for a goal and work at it.

I’d like to pass on some of the “Do’s and Don’ts that I have learned over the years.

Create a Habit – Become consistent and create a routine of being at the gym at a certain time of day and stick to it. It takes 21 days to create a habit. Consistency is the key.

Forget About Your Past – You aren’t as young as you used to be.  So don’t try to do the same things you did then now. Create realistic expectations of what you are trying to achieve today.  It doesn’t make sense to try to replicate a routine you did as a youngster, and you will probably get injured trying.

Do you know what your problem is?

YOU’RE STUPID!

Have a Goal – Before you ever set foot in a gym, know what you are trying to get out of it.  Do you want to improve your health, lose weight, become a body builder or run a marathon? If you make plans ahead of time your workouts can be precise and it won’t allow you to get off target.

Measure Yourself – You are only as old as your feel.  We are all just de-conditioned athletes trying to get better.  Measure your progress against yourself.  Start with today as your benchmark.   If you are doing things right, you should strive for improvement in your strength, stamina, and endurance. Gauge your progress every six to eight weeks. 

Rest Days Included – The older and older we get, the longer it takes for our bodies to recover from the stress of a challenging workout. Factor in rest days and give your muscles a chance to repair themselves.

Regularly Strength Train – The quickest way to lengthen your life is to have more frequent strength training days in your program. It will have a significant positive impact in everything you do. The quickest way to shorten your life is to keep running on that treadmill and neglect the weights.

Be Flexible – As we age, our muscles and tendons lose the elasticity that allows us to move freely. Stretch daily after workouts to allow for the body’s muscles to lengthen.

Respect Your Past Injuries – Strains and tears will come back to haunt you.  The little bumps and bruises you had as a 20 year old, that you never had to worry about, are now something to be concerned about. Ignore your injuries and your days at the gym will be numbered.  Learn to listen and respect your body.

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