One of the most frequently overlooked aspects to lifting weights is the mechanics behind the motions. People go into the gym with a simple concept, which is at least a start, that they are going to "lift" weights. Not only do I see people in the gym all of the time who train with this idea, but I see so many trainers that are training beginners with the same concept. If a beginner is taught a certain method by a "professional" they are going to carry on the training indefinitely until someone better educates them. Here is that better education.
The evidence of this lack of knowledge is seen all over the place. You see men, mostly, who have been working out for years, yet have lack of definition. Their shoulders might be big, but they can't get any gains in their arms. This is probably the most common visible effect. The lack of proper mechanics permeates through every exercise, and with every muscle.
A person is still getting "exercise" because they are surely applying effort while "lifting" weights, which inevitably increases their breathing. Calories burned are directly proportionate to liters of oxygen consumed, so the effort is not totally in vain. However, it is really hard to stay motivated for a long period of time without seeing the results you are looking for. If you are going to dedicate a set amount of time in the gym, don't you want to get as much out of it as possible?
You have to have the right mindset to be able to truly grasp this. In fact, it is probably easier for women to put them self through this type of thinking than for men. Most of the men you see in the gym are swelled with pride to the brim, and each wants to lift more weight than the next guy that he might prove his superiority. It is almost like a penis comparing contest. All the time I have guys come up beside me, grab more weight than me, and then proceed to improperly do the same exercise as me. I do not mind though, because I have nothing to prove.
Who cares how much weight you can lift? Unless, of course, you are a power lifter and that is the purpose of your sport. Who cares how much anyone else can lift? This is not about the next guy or girl. This is about you, and only you. Just like with EVERYTHING else in life... You cannot compare yourself to someone else, and you cannot measure someone else by your measuring stick. This must only be about where you are at, and where you want to be. Once you remove the comparison ideas from your mind, then you will be able to accomplish something.
IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW MUCH WEIGHT YOU CAN LIFT!!! In fact, if you are lifting correctly I promise you that you will not be lifting as much as the person who is "lifting" wrong. If you have been working out for awhile now, maybe even more than 5 years, and you start to follow my advise, you will have to swallow your pride because you are going to face a dramatic decrease in the amount of weight you are able to move.
Your purpose when you walk into the gym is to GET IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT, at least if you want the results like you do. On the way into the gym, start getting your mind right. Focus on what you are there to do, and leave all of the non-sense in the car. If you like carrying that kind of luggage, it will be there, waiting for you, when you leave. You have to be focused. Whatever time you have been allotted for exercise has now begun. Some people don't mind wasting their time, but if you are reading this it because you are seeking results.
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Osa McDonald (Athlete)
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