Problem is this forum is full of obsessives and we feed each others obsessions. It works for the most part, every now and then, however, we need to remember, as you so clearly point out, that we also do this for the fun of it and to feel good.
So here goes, I’ll say it. Gravity be damned, that weight is going up. Why? For the fun of it.
Instead of being overwhealmed and worrying, you have opportunity for the ultimate periodization. As the articles are published print them out and start building a training log of sorts.
Everything works for a certain amount of time. Getting stuck in a rut is the norm. Look at the same people you see from year to year in the gym, doing the same workouts over and over. Never changing their body composition, or weight used. They have been doing the same routine for 10 years. Trying new programs will keep you out of the rut.
As you try the workouts, changing every 4-6 weeks you can learn not only what you like, but what you respond to. You can also begin to develop your own programs. Maybe you like to train like King, sometimes like Poloquin, Renegade, sometimes EDT… The possibilities are endless.
Try to read as much as possible. Not only to see what others are doing, but to see if there is anything you can learn. Sometimes taking bits and pieces and adding them to your own routines. Those who feel they know everything, know only a few things.
I also want to comment on the quality and empathy of the replies. I’m relatively new to the forum (although been lurking for a while), and I was worried that there would be a lot of negative responses when I first read Hogan’s post, but I was pleasantly suprised.
GREAT post.
I, myself, was caught up in the hoopla for many years. Like many of you, my approach was downright obsessive to the point that the gym wasn’t “fun”.
One day I was heading to the gym, and I realized I forgot my training log. I walked in feeling pretty darn nekked without it, but nonetheless proceeded to the stationary bike for my warm up.
After my warm up, I got off the bike and said “screw it…I don’t feel like doing shoulders today…I want to do arms”, and that’s exactly what I did. I left the gym that day with a better feeling than I’d had in a long time.
Since then, my training has been entirely “improv”. I go to the gym basically knowing what body part(s) I want to work on, but after that it’s all up for grabs. I never really know what I’m going to do until I start doing it…and my results have been pretty impressive.
My body doesn’t seem to adapt to a routine because…well…there is no routine any more. I don’t even go to the gym on the same days every week. Things are always new and fresh and fun.
Like many have said before, that’s the key. You GOTTA have fun and love what you’re doing. When I saw the scale go from 185 to 192 in about 3 months, that made me even happier. No, it’s not MAG-10 gains, but 6 pounds in three months is about the best supplement-free gains I’ve had since I started training.
Mike
Definitely with Mike on this one.
Honestly, all of my training is an entirely ‘macro’ sense. I bust my ass 3 or 4 days a week. I’ve never gone light. I eat an enormous amount of carbs, as much protein as I can handle, two vitamin Cs and a Flintstones tablet. And I change up my workout damn near every time out, even with OVT.
The result is consistent mass gain.
This forum is an absolute wealth of differing viewpoints and theory, and as of late, motivation to push even harder. My thanks for that.
DI
When I work with clients a primary principle is “It is only the workouts you do that work”. My philosophy is that you need a balance between what science and experience shows are the optimum dietary/training protocols and what the individual enjoys the most.
You can only will yourself through so many workouts if they are not enjoyable to you.
I feel we all have acknowledge the fact that enjoyment is very important if we are to put maximum effort into what we do…
I relaxed more and became way more consistent when I realized: I am in no hurry I’m in this for life -so no more miracle 6 week cures, I simply read the article Dawg School ? Basic Training for Beginners
The Bodybuilder’s Hierarchy of Needs
by Chris Shugart
And try to stick to it… Eating sleeping resting well and avoiding overtraining -who would have thought it works ; )
Happy liftin’ for the rest of our lives…
Poul Hansen, Copenhagen, Denmark