10 Reasons Why You Aren't Making Progress In Your Training
Progress: it is the reason why the majority of us are in the gym every week. However you measure progress, whether you want bigger lifts, bigger muscles, less bodyfat or a faster 400m split, progress is what keeps us training day in and day out. Disregard the individuals that are going to the gym to "maintain", that is just an excuse to not work hard. But, what if everything you put into your training doesn't amount to a hill of beans? Here are 10 things that can indicate whether or not your programming & training is being spent wisely.
1. You don't understand the difference between difficult and useful.
Just because something is hard to do, does not mean it is useful, or will do anything to progress your lifting career. I could spend 3 months mastering a strict muscle up, but will that really help me as a Strongman? Spend your time wisely, time is finite.
2. You aren't eating enough carbs.
If I had a nickel for every time we added carbs in to someone's diet improved their lifts, I would have more nickels than you. Carbs are not your enemy, stagnation is. Steak and broccoli is not eating big, so for the love of progress, put a potato on the barbie.
3. You ask everyone on the internet for advice, and listen to all of it/none of it.
Either way you end this equation, you are going to lose. If you try to follow everyone's cues and tips, you will go nowhere, because everyone on the internet has different opinions about the "right" way to do things, which may not apply to you at all. If you listen to none of it, you are wasting everyone's time, especially yours. Pick someone's advice that you trust, put on your blinders, and follow their orders.
4. You think a supplement will make up for calories.
No supplement is going to replace the calories you need to get bigger and stronger, if it comes in a pill, it has little or no calories in it. Pills and powders don't get you big on their own, that's why it is called a supplement, not a replacement.
5. You want to get better at everything, and you want it to happen yesterday.
Arguably, a lot of us are guilty of this. However, the line that separates those who want to be good and those who want to become good is the ability to break goals into smaller pieces, and accomplish them in segments. World records aren't built in a day.
6. You view training gear as non-primal/cheating.
I am going to let you in on a secret: if you are reading this article while connected to the internet, you are about as far removed from a primal state as you can be, why should your training be any different? I am not afraid to venture a guess that I am stronger than my cave dwelling ancestors, because I am not afraid to use proper assistance gear when lifting. Belts, straps, chalk, and wrist wraps are your friend, if you think that is cheating, you should start walking barefoot to work and start living in the nearest redwood forest.
7. You aren't recording your lifts.
Unless you are doing bodybuilding movements, you probably don't need to watch yourself in a mirror while lifting. However, recording your lifts and watching them after is an excellent way to study your movements and learn how to improve them next time. If you think good athletes don't record and post their videos, you are in for a rude awakening.
8. You are afraid to compete.
I can personally attest to this, because I was once afraid to compete. Sometimes failing at a competition is exactly what you need, in order to do better the next time. I have yet to work with someone who, after their first competition, did not have a fire lit under their ass to compete again ASAP.
9. You think bench/squat/deadlift is all you need to do to be a good lifter.
This may be true for those first starting out, but as you progress, you will see that it is simply not true. By not adding in supplementary bodybuilding movements, your weaknesses will still be your weaknesses as you get stronger. Suns Out, Guns Out.
10. You don't know how to detach.
What if I told you that there was a whole world out there, full of people and places that have no idea about lifting, or care about it? Sometimes getting out of the "community" for a short period of time is exactly what you need to get your mind right. Familiarity breeds contempt, and all too often we get extremely familiar with our lifestyles. Take some time off and hit lifting with renewed vigor.
