Proper form
Not surprisingly I didn't have a teaspoon of knowledge when it came to the "proper form" for lifting weights. But I was determined to learn that form and transform.
There are great books and tapes...especially the BFL/EAS media available on this website...but try as I might during my review of these photos and video images I could never quite recreate the exact push, feel or squeeze required to grow beyond a certain level of fitness.
Don't get me wrong! Those books and tapes helped save my life...and they helped me lose fat and gain muscle...and win my age group in the world famous BFL Tranformation Challenge. How great is that? But even better than that...they can do the very same thing for you...if you follow the program and adopt the advice.
BFL also taught me how to set goals, accomplish them and set new ones.
Now that I am working to raise the bar in my BFL quest I'm finding that I need to "change things up" and work along side someone who is a few steps ahead of me on the Path to mental, physical and spiritual health.
A few months ago I decided to get serious.
I set some big goals, including a Figure Competition and decided to hire a coach to help me in my quest.
Having someone stand over you and walk you through each exercise is a lot harder than I thought.
Example, prior to this when I went to the gym and lifted I could push some pretty heavy iron. I thought I was doing the exercises by the book and was quite pleased with my efforts.
When I began working with a trainer and began using proper form I couldn't believe it! REPS I used to do at twenty pounds....were barely doable at ten. Where did my strength go? Man I was depressed!
But in a few short weeks I began to see muscle development that I thought was reserved for a lot younger people.
If you can't afford a fulltime coach...consider the possibility of saving a few dollars from those freeday splurges and rent one for one workout. Or try to find a trainer who trains several people at once. You still get great advice and its cheaper. Focus on proper form. Remember how it feels and repeat the process on your own.
Again it is also essential to follow the BFL eating plan and learn about the supplements that will help you reach your goals and remember to use them!
I'm hoping to see you in the winners' circle in 2006!
PS.Here is a link to a news story I put together about the benefits of lifting weights....it also has a little video of a recent Body Building Show in Minnesota
http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/Story.aspx?type=ln&NStoryID=3350