Happy 2014! Since the New Year is upon us, let’s talk about all those New Years resolutions that we’ve all made (at least the ones that were not broken already)! 🙂
Every year, it is the same spectacle: hordes of newbies joining the gym sold on the “super saver 16 month membership”, which they will use all but 16 days before quitting. What went wrong?
In short, so many things: lack of guidance, unrealistic expectations, unhealthy training and nutritional habits, and last but not least, following the wrong idols. As great as your favorite fitness model might look, there is one very distinct difference: they are not you. Thus their workout has nothing to do with your life and what you can achieve. I would even wager money to say that most bodybuilders are in shape despite their training, but that is a whole different story.
If you are as old as I am, you might remember the t-shirt Axl Rose used to wear on stage, stating “Kill Your Idols.” Despite the graphic image that accompanied the quote, there is something to be learned here. Emulating somebody else’s program alone will not make you successful. Of course, it is very important to look up to someone with a great physique and learn as much as you can. But it is equally as important to be able to apply what you’ve learned to your own needs and assets. All the bodybuilding greats modeled the best (insert champion here) they could be without trying to copy someone else. If you have broad hips, stop wasting time trying to shrink your oblique’s. Build your shoulders instead. If you have long forearms, avoid barbell curls, use dumbbells instead. Your elbows will thank you. In another words, follow ancient Rome’s methods: conquer other countries and use their science/philosophy to benefit your own needs.
Until next time,
Maik Wiedenbach