Routines are awesome. That is, until they become too routine. Chances are, at this stage of the game,
you know the specifics of your go-to training regimen, from the exercises to
the rep counts and the equipment you use. The thing is, the bodybuilding and
fitness worlds are too vast to never branch out of your comfort zone. You never
know what could be a gains-changer for you until you try it. You might come to
learn you love training with kettlebells or even some forms of cardio.
If you feel the need to “show up” other people in the gym, it’s time to break
the habit. It’s counterproductive and is an insecure way to train. We’re all on
our own fitness journey, with some people being farther along than others. The
iron sport is meant to be shared, and the community is diverse, full of lifters
from all walks of life. Focus on being the most positive, motivating lifter you
can be.
Once you’ve been around the block a few times, it can be easy to feel like
you’ve learned all there is to know. You’ve tried the trendy routines, you’ve
hit a few dozen PRs, and maybe even taken some medals home from a competition
or two—is there really any advice another lifter could share with you? Even if
you feel like you’re at the top of the food chain, you can always learn from
others. From small tips about form that can help you target your bicep peak
more effectively to nutritional advice you hadn’t considered, you can never
learn too much.
You have big goals, and you haven’t gotten to this point by settling for just
“good enough.” You’ve put in the work, studied the greats, and always keep
moving toward bigger and better aspirations. Even if you don’t realize it, you
could be settling for small things. Maybe you’re three sets deep into a
five-set workout. You look at the time and think, “close enough.” Or, you could
be settling with regard to the equipment you use or apparel you wear. For
example, if you know there are better
