Starting with the right mind set

     When you are first starting a workout program, the tendency can be to go one of two directions. On one hand, many people tend to overestimate their current fitness ability; they end up pushing themselves to extremes and getting hurt. On the other hand, some people tend to undertrain and really never see a significant difference in themselves. So this begs the question, “What is enough and what is too much?”

    I think the answer is different for each individual. This may appear as though I am trying to dodge giving an answer, but what works for one person really may not work for another. It really depends on a person’s attitude and the ability to listen to his or her body. As individuals spend more time exercising, they should, in theory, be getting more in tune with what their bodies are telling them. This does not happen automatically, though. I see people daily in the gym who are making time in their schedules to be there and arespending money to be there, but mentally they are checked out from what is going on in their workouts. They are just going through the motions.  In order to be successful in the gym, one must be engaged in the task at hand. This requires paying attention to each set, each rep, each muscle that is being worked. When this kind of focus is present, injuries are much less likely and progress toward a fitness goal is more often the result. 

    So, in your next workout, I really encourage you to be fully engaged; don’t just go through the motions.  Make the most out of your time in the gym.  If you are the person who wants to push too much too fast, slow down and listen to what your muscles and joints are telling you and avoid the injury that will sideline your workout for the next couple of weeks.  If you are the person who never really sees the benefits from your workouts, step it up a little, but again listen to your body.