Get the Most From Your Training: Go to Work in the Gym

Last time I wrote a little about visualization which is the second point from my list of training principles. Here, I want to talk a little about where the rubber meets the road regarding your actual workout–putting your plan into action. I hope you get something out of it. If so, let me know in the comments below.

It’s time for action.

In the original list, I wrote this: “Have integrity. Power, growth, strength, durability, and endurance. Tighten and tense the entire body with every movement to increase power and strength.”

Basically, when you get to the gym you need to get to work and (to borrow a trendy word) be mindful of what you’re doing. You need to cut out distractions, get focused, and put everything you have into your training. Think of it this way, you have a set amount of time set aside for improving your life mentally and physically. You need to use that time wisely. We only have a finite time in our lives to go to the gym and get in a workout, so let’s make it count.

That’s great and all but how can we put it into practice exactly? Let’s break down a few things to put into immediate action at your next workout.

1. Delete distractions. Keep your head in the game. Try your best to keep your phone out of the gym. Scrolling through social media, music, or whatever else you waste time on will consume your time like nothing else. More importantly, it divides your attention and saps your enthusiasm and motivation. If you must have music, keep your phone away while training.
2. Take a moment before each set. Avoid recklessly jumping into your workout without first focusing on the very set you’re about to perform. It only takes a couple of seconds, but take a breath, visualize the set, and then commit to it. Be all in without any distractions.
3. Don’t trail off. Rest between sets doesn’t mean striking up a deep and lengthy discussion on which Marvel movie is best. Sure a word or two between sets is fine–you don’t want to be one of those scary types in the gym taking things too seriously, but you still want to keep your focus. Stay in the workout mentally and you’ll reap better results.

Above all, work your butt off. If you’re serious about getting somewhere with all your training, dieting, and time put into the gym then decide that you’re going to the gym to ultimately go to work. Yes, it should be fun but don’t spend all that time, effort, and commitment to stay in the same spot you’re been in.

Get to work.

Lots of people want to be the noun without doing the verb.

Austin Kleon

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Here are all the posts related to the 7 Principles of Training:

My 7 Personal Principles of Training
Clear Your Mind Before Your Workout
How to Get Better Results From Visualizing Your Workouts
Get the Most From Your Training: Go to Work in the Gym
What’s the Right Amount of Weight to Use in My Workout
Water and Workouts: Your Overlooked Tool for Better Results
How to Modify Your Workouts to Avoid a Plateau
3 Keys to Workout Longevity