Exercise Your Mind for Greater Gains
What comes to mind when you think of building muscle? Well, weight training, that’s a given. Next is your diet, that has to be on point. And rest, you’ll need plenty of that if your goal is to get jacked.
But would you believe me if I told you there’s another, more important factor to consider when looking to build the most densely muscled physique possible? And no, I’m not talking about performance enhancing drugs – they’re not something I advocate for ANYONE!
Mind power, this is without doubt the most important element to consider in your quest to build a better body. Without it, the best you can expect is lackluster results, frustration, and ultimately, failure.
If you’re looking for dramatic results, you’re going to need to reassess your entire mindset. You’ll need pain tolerance, lots of it, and an unbreakable will. Grinding out those last few reps on each set is second nature to seasoned trainees, but this is too much of an ask for most beginners.
I’ve seen it first hand – a client comes to me with all the zest and enthusiasm you’d expect from someone beginning any new journey of self improvement. Stories of how they’re willing to try anything and everything to achieve the body of their dreams. They talk the talk, but when it’s time to walk the walk they crumble at the first hurdle. Their pain tolerance lets them down – they’re mentally unable to push themselves to true muscular failure, or even close to it.
There’s a few who can take the pain of training, but ask any seasoned fitness enthusiast what the hardest part about their fitness journey was and they’ll all give you the same answer: DIET.
Training is hard, but it lasts maybe 1-2 hours per day. Your diet, that’s going to require mental and physical discipline 24/7. Think you have what it takes? Most don’t.
Even if you don’t have the required mindset, you can learn it. You can build pain tolerance, through grit and determination. 3 sets of 10? Try 3 sets of 30. Don’t like squats? Do loads. The set is only starting when the burn sets in. That’s where average people stop, but you’re going to teach yourself to go above and beyond where most people are willing to. Because that’s what’s necessary if you want to be better than average.
Regarding diet, that’s going to require even more discipline. When you’re in the gym, pumped and high off the endorphins coursing through your veins, you’ll more than likey be as motivated as humanly possible. But for the other 23 hours of the day you’re going to need to dig extra deep if you’re to reap the rewards of those tough training sessions. You won’t be motivated all the time, but success in anything is achieved through executing a the plan even when motivation i lacking, or even non-existent.
Try to appreciate that everyone faces much the same challenges as you in their quest for a dream body. Sure, there are a few “tips” that can maybe lighten the mental and physical load by 1-2%, but there are NO tricks to achieving your fitness goals.
HARD TRAINING. SMART NUTRITION. REPETITION.
Anything else is a mere drop in the ocean. So do yourself a favour, start tracking your training and diet. Ask yourself if your training routine is effective, and suitable to your goals. Likewise for your diet, are you taking in enough calories and protein to grow muscle tissue? Or maybe you need to lose body fat which will require a reduction in calories. Be honest with yourself and start today!
As always, if you require any help regarding training and nutrition please don’t hesitate to contact me!
This is Shane McDonald for Muscle Eire.
For customized training plans (from beginner to advanced – fitness training, bodybuilding, powerlifting), meal plans, contest prep, weight loss, just get in touch!
Inquire about 4, 8, and 12 week training and diet packages.
