Back to the Basics
Training is a process that takes many different directions. There's a seemingly infinite number of programs and routines that offer the same things, grow muscle, increase strength, more energy, and the many other attributed benefits to working out and becoming more athletic...
There's certain principles that routines and programs need to have to be effective, and even sport specific training needs to follow these principles in order to enable adequate progress of strength and functionality. Pay attention!
Periodization
Progressive Overload
Specificity
Individuality
Maintenance
Reversibility
Apart from these basic principles, there's another thing you have to add... Time and Effort. The gains we all want don't just come after a single awesome session in the weight room, rather the body requires at least 6 weeks of regular activity to acquire permanent adaptations. This is something you must dedicate yourself to for the long haul if you want to accomplish certain goals.
"There's another thing you can add... Time and Effort."
This is how it's done. Applying certain principles with your programs and putting in the time and effort, there is no other way to make gains and become a better athlete. Even those that take steroids or other performance enhancing substances don't get off free, they still have to work their asses off to enable themselves to perform at their maximum potential, the only thing that those substances do is facilitate and increase said potential. But nothing will ever replace the work that needs to be done in order to accomplish greatness in the athletic realm. Anatomically, the only thing separating you from some of the greatest athletes is that they put in more time and effort than any one else in their respective discipline.
The Limitations we experience in training are often self imposed because of the lack of self-investment we deny our routine, working too little skipping too many sets and not placing enough intensity on the exercises. Too often we expect the gains we want to come from minimum effort or even from doing nothing. But the truth is we only damage ourselves when we don't put in the work or we try to find the free ride. Why can't you be the strongest man on earth? Why can't you make it to the next level? The only thing holding you back is yourself, the choices you make affect the situations experienced in your life. Life doesn't have to be in control of you, rather you ought to take control of your life. Make some sacrifices, loose some sleep, give something useless up... In doing this, you will become someone you never thought you could!
Every Day... A Little Stronger
