06-10-2003, 10:26 PM
420 – Motivating yourself in the gym starts with figuring out what your overall outcome is gonna be and how you want to get there. There’s a reason why you work out. If it’s for your health, think about that as you work out and use it to push yourself. If it’s about image, then go buy yourself an outfit worth wearing in the new you and then imagine yourself in that outfit. Nobody can give you the motivation. You have to find it within yourself. What’s the overall outcome you want?
As for the “no pain, no gain†concept. That’s a partial myth. If you push yourself too much, you can cause long term irreparable damage. Bone loss, joint injuries, hyperextended ligaments. You shouldn’t push yourself too much. 2-3 beyond your “I can’t do anymore†if you’re doing high reps with weights. 1-2 if you’re going heavy. Everything in moderation and build it gradually. There is no quick answer or instant body. You have to work at it.
For what it’s worth, I use to be a personal trainer in college. I trained people for body building competitions. A few of my “students†actually went national.
The two most important things to keep in mind – Don’t over due it and have fun with it.
As for the “no pain, no gain†concept. That’s a partial myth. If you push yourself too much, you can cause long term irreparable damage. Bone loss, joint injuries, hyperextended ligaments. You shouldn’t push yourself too much. 2-3 beyond your “I can’t do anymore†if you’re doing high reps with weights. 1-2 if you’re going heavy. Everything in moderation and build it gradually. There is no quick answer or instant body. You have to work at it.
For what it’s worth, I use to be a personal trainer in college. I trained people for body building competitions. A few of my “students†actually went national.
The two most important things to keep in mind – Don’t over due it and have fun with it.