I am somewhat regularly asked variations of the following:
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“If you were to start training again from scratch, what would you do?
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Response:
The first thing I would do is become a member of a dingy warehouse gym, ideally one populated by big, scary steroid-abusing bodybuilders.
Yes, even though I think anyone who takes steroids or lies to their doctor to get TRT is vain, lazy, and stupid.
Why?
For starters, the last thing you want is to be the biggest, strongest, leanest, or most in shape person you know because it lowers the ceiling on what you believe is possible and you will work less hard as a result.
Surrounding yourself with men (and possibly women) who are jacked to the moon has the opposite effect (even when you know their results are, in large part, a consequence of substance misuse) – provided you have the right attitude.
Then there are the practical advantages.
These gyms always have the needful equipment in abundance (a squat rack, olympic bar, bench, and plates). Plus, their selection of machines tends to be better than the mass-market cheapo ones you will find in your typical 24 hour establishment, which will give you more options once you have laid your foundations.
Speaking of laying foundations, I would follow a basic full-body lifting programme using primarily but not exclusively barbell lifts, with sessions two or three times per week.
I would also do “hard” (relatively speaking) cardio twice per week and walk every day without fail.
This runs counter to much of the advice typically given to beginners and, to be fair, mine is certainly not the fastest way to slap weight onto the squat, bench press, and suchlike as most advocate beginners do.
I’m also not saying it’s necessarily wrong to pursue maximum strength über alles. Indeed, it’s the route I went down and I did get plenty strong and muscular remarkably quickly.
However.
If I had my time again, I would take a more rounded approach such as the one I have just described – even though it would mean big changes would happen slowly – because I would get to my desired destination (strong, muscular, lean, and fit) faster as I wouldn’t be spinning my wheels for years on end pursuing advanced levels of strength I didn’t actually need.
Not to mention I’d probably get injured less frequently (as I’d be lifting sensible weights in a balanced fashion) and enjoy better general health (from all the cardio).
All sounds very simple, doesn’t it?
That’s because it is very simple.
The problem?
Most people have an attitude more like the one I had so are unwilling to train in this manner because it involves a lot of boring, repetitive work and a huge ego whack every single time you lift or do cardio depending on which of the two you are worst at.
Basically, they want the looks and performance without the drudgery and feelings of inadequacy.
Cannot say I blame them (given that I was guilty of the same).
Nevertheless, harsh reality cares not for our feelz.
I think that shall do for today.
But before I descend from my soapbox, I need to remind you that tomorrow (24th) is your last chance to purchase one (or more) of my Very Expensive Books for 50% off the regular price.
They are worth at least a look if you are looking for efficient, effective, and sustainable ways to reach and exceed your goals next year.
To learn more (including how to claim the discount), visit the below-linked page and read it carefully:
https://philtyreman.co.uk/sale
Thank you,
Phil Tyreman