Your Best Exercise Program

Back to Basics

So, today I’m wearing my Exercise Expert hat. Er, tracksuit. I’ve left my philosopher’s cardigan and slippers in the cupboard and my motivator’s whistle on the bench. This post will be food-for-thought for those of you who might be thinking about launching yourself into an exercise regime in the near future or those who are currently working out but are frustrated with their results. Or lack thereof. For some of you, it will be revision and re-enforcement. The information is a little fundamental but recent conversations tell me that it’s still relevant and worth visiting again.

Showing Up Ain’t Shaping Up

We all know that turning up to the gym (or any training environment – park, beach, garage, track, pool, etc.) doesn’t automatically guarantee amazing physical transformation. In fact, it doesn’t guarantee anything. We all know people (we could even be those people) who have spent weeks, months and even years exercising consistently only to look… pretty much the same – which is cool if that’s their (our) goal. But, typically it isn’t. So it’s not so cool at all.  

What We Do With What We’ve Got

The truth is that very few people exercise optimally (for them) and, therefore, most people don’t maximise their genetics, time, resources, knowledge or potential. Turning up to the gym (or any exercise environment) and assuming that great results will follow (merely because you’ve shown up) is like handing a painter some paint and a canvas and assuming that a masterpiece will be the result simply because she has some tools. No, just like the artist, what we produce will be dependant on what we do with our resources. Producing your own physical masterpiece, or, at the very least, maximizing your genetic potential, will be dependant on your ability to find the best program for you (not your cousin, neighbour or fave celebrity) and then consistently, diligently and courageously implementing it.

No matter what.

There is a ‘best’ exercise program for all of us; we just need to discover what it is. What that program might look like will depend on things such as your:

• Age
• Body-type (genetic disposition)
• Current physical condition. This factors in variables such as: weight, body-fat percentage, medical conditions and history, current and previous injuries, aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility.
• Training history
• Attitude
• Exercise goals
• Resources
• Time availability

Here are my top four reasons to explain why most people don’t create optimal results with their exercise regime:

1. Going Through the Motions. A simulated workout I call it: looks like training but isn’t. Kind of like some relationships. Stop it. Some people simply don’t exercise with enough intensity to force their body to adapt (change, improve) – keeping in mind that a body won’t change until we give it a reason to. Showing up ain’t enough. Of course, intensity needs to be graduated sensibly and methodically but exercise does need to be progressive if transformation is the goal. Many people choose the ‘easy’ option over the ‘effective’ option and their lack of results speak for themselves. So the obvious question is: do you want to be comfortable or do you want results? Your choice. Results are typically a reflection of effort and application.

2. Wrong Program. Your program should be designed specifically for you based on the above variables. If it isn’t, then you’re not following the best program. The best program for your fave celebrity could be the worst program for you. Unless, of course, she(he) is your genetic twin and has lived a carbon copy of your life. That happens, right? Or… if the person who designed your program tends to put most of his (her) clients/members on something similar or maybe even identical (it happens far too often), you might want to.. er… look elsewhere.

3. Inconsistency. I know I sound like a broken record when it comes to this message but, apparently, I still have a way to go. The best genetics, intentions, resources, plans and programs will all amount to crap if we don’t persevere (finish what we start) and, let’s be honest, most people don’t. Some people have been starting exercise programs forever – as opposed to simply making exercise a constant and non-negotiable part of their life. For many, their wishy-washy-excuse-making-start-stop mindset will sabotage their physical potential until they find some balls and get committed. Gym owners can always rely on the fact that out-of-shape people will pay for memberships that they won’t use. A gym owner’s two favourite words? Direct debit. Great for gym owners, not so good for Mr and Mrs “I’ll get back into it next Monday”.

4. Not Paying Attention. Your body knows what it needs, so pay attention to it. If a program is working, you’ll see the desired results. If not, something needs to change; maybe the program design or perhaps the way you’re executing it. If you’re following your program to the letter and seeing little in the way of results, it’s time for a change. It’s often a good idea to take some weekly photos (in the buff) to gauge progress. Front, side and rear photos (if possible) on the same day of the week, in the same light and at the same time of day. Want some perspective? Want some reality? Look at a photo.

 See you at the dumbbell rack…

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