100% EFFORT

Some days I ask myself: Why am I working out so hard? Some workouts are revered as chores and nothing but 'to-do's'. Personally I've never been one of those Divas who love the actual hanging out/working out at the gym. I want to get in, get out and be done so I can get back to my more fun filled list of things to do.

Some days I feel exhausted and ask myself if I should take the day OFF, just stay home and relax. Once upon a time I did just that, quite a bit actually, but present day I've basically outgrown that bad habit and usually only take time off when DJ or I are sick. I got more and more hooked on principles and staying committed/focused. So now, when I want to be a SLACKER, I tell myself “well, it’s not gonna be easier tomorrow, will you skip then too? then, what stops you from skipping the day after that too…?” This stops my slacker mode in a second and I forge ahead with what I set up for myself.

Whoever says that every workout is FUN FUN FUN has either never trained hard and simultaneously dieted as hard or he or she are just not that LEAN yet. The reality is getting lean and staying lean means hitting the weights and the cardio machines HARD, and REPEATEDLY! As a physique competitor, when I hit a plateau, I don't follow the protocols of regular performance athletes which is taking some rest and recover time, NOOOOO, physique competitors need to dig deeper and keep at it! Why? Because you need to work on getting through a plateau! You are fighting for shedding another millimeter off the skinfold caliper or you want sharper cuts in your abs every day (this is what EVERY Diva that signs up wants!), not just on a “good day”. Yeah you want a sixpack even on your “fat days” right? Well Team BodyVisions Superstars, that takes dedication!

There is one big flaw I've encountered with working out: during some of my chore/workouts, I feel totally drained, dragging my feet, basically too tired to even listen to music or engage in any distractive reading or minor chit chat. But then, when my allotted workout time is up, suddenly I get that high from endorphins I needed BEFORE the damn workout, not after! GRRRRRRR! I then feel all cocky, and make statements to DJ like I could almost go for a second round! DJ loves to remind me at those times that I didn't give my workout 100% effort. What is one of his favorite sayings: 1/2 ass effort = 1/2 ass results!

TAKE HOME NOTE….

Getting and remaining in awesome shape is a skill, it's like a never ending marathon. You will need to keep going when you hit a wall, you need to keep up the pace when your half way through when all you want to do is sit down. During a marathon you need to stay focused on every step, knowing that every step leads you closer to the GOAL. Stepping off the track will not get you where you want/need to be.

When you want to transform your physique and be very lean and the reality is it’s not in your genes to be, or your self discipline is less than perfect, then you need to dig deep to make it happen! Accept the fact that it's OK to feel run down, worn out from time to time, however the physical changes you desire WILL NOT happen by accident or chance...YOU will have to remain focused, dig deep and give your fitness goal 100% effort.