HackTwat
MuscleChemistry Registered Member
[h=1]Staying Motivated & Hungry For Your Goals![/h]
Bodybuilding motivation can be tough to keep high for even the most hardcore trainers. Sooner or later, you'll feel like skipping a workout for one reason or another. But if this becomes the norm instead of the exception, you've got a problem on your hands.
If you feel your motivation to train is slowly fading away – along with some of your hard-earned muscle – you need to get back to basics and reignite your motivation to train.
So where do you start your big comeback from lethargy? Well, the first order of business is to examine your internal motivation and desires, and make sure your mindset is focused for pure, hardcore training. Then once your head is right, you can start practicing some “external” techniques that will further fuel your goals and keep you on target.[h=2]Internal Motivators[/h]Setting Realistic Goals: Yes, you've heard it a million times, but it's the truth. In most cases, a lack of motivation to train comes from a lack of purpose in the gym.
Goal-setting tips for massive muscle will help you to do a reality check so you can honestly ask yourself, “Why am I going to the gym every day, and what am I trying to accomplish?” If you can't answer this basic question, then you'd better sit down and pen some answers on paper before you head back to the gym. If you don't, you'll just be putting in time and going through the motions rather than blasting out reps with intent.
Your goals might range from keeping fit to becoming an all-pro running back. Whatever your ambitions, make sure they're realistic. Hoping to be a world-class athlete when you have extremely poor genetics might be an exercise in futility that will only leave you depressed and disillusioned. However, adding 5 pounds of muscle and dropping 20 pounds of fat might be a goal that suits you perfectly.
Beware of setting goals like “doing my best to tone up.' When there's no definite objective spelled out, your results will likely be less than stellar. Try to set a goal that's quantifiable, such as pounds gained or lost.
Also set yearly goals, and think like a bodybuilder, even if you're not. Structure your training in phases, alternating a few weeks at a time between power training and hypertrophy (bodybuilding-type training). The yearly campaigns will then add up toward your overall long-term plan. It's easier to split up your fitness ambitions into several smaller, achievable goals than to try to accomplish a few years worth of work before it's possible.
Visualizing Victory: Many pro sports teams will watch videos of victory parades from other teams, and imagine that they themselves will win and have a parade of their own some day. Why is this the case? Because if your mind can't perceive your goal, your body won't be able to follow through and achieve it.
Always be thinking of success – so much that you not only want it, but can almost taste it. Stand in front of the mirror and imagine yourself with bigger biceps, larger shoulders, and ripped abs. Do it almost every day. Also imagine the compliments people will pay you when they see your body changing for the better. This is what you want, isn't it? Then, to put the dream into action, imagine yourself performing the very exercises that'll give you the body you want.
About an hour before your workouts, mentally rehearse the exercises in your mind. Imagine yourself powering up more weight than you've ever lifted before. Imagine your training partner's reaction to how strong and intense you are that day.
Imagine how good that barbell will feel in your hands, and how awesome the ensuing pump will feel after you're destroyed the weights. By visualizing victory, you will be fostering and reinforcing positive thoughts about success and vanquishing any negatives, such as fear of failure. The more you think you're successful, the more you'll believe it, and the easier it'll be to achieve it.
Self-Talk: This is similar to visualizing victory, except that here you're vocalizing victory. Repeat inspiring phrases quietly to yourself, such as “Failure is not an option! Nobody or thing will get in my way!” “These #@^@ weights have no chance!” Get the idea? Try self-talk right before a heavy lift. Also tell your training partner to say positive things to you that drive you, such as “Is that an XS t-shirt? ” Or, “ Bet you can't bench more than me? ” Or “Do a couple more! Feel the pain brother!” This type drive and motivation yourself could gain you an extra rep or two – and that means more growth!
Using Emotion to Fuel Your Workouts: In life, people are fueled by many emotions, and training is no different. Perhaps the healthiest emotions you can have toward training are passion for the sport and self-gratification and happiness and fulfillment achieving a beautiful body body of a Greek God. These, in turn, bring confidence and a sense of well-being. However, people are people, and at times negative emotions like anger, jealousy, and rage swell up and cause negative energy. And since energy cannot be destroyed, but only transferred, you can actually use the negative emotions for positive gains.
How often have you heard about the skinny teenage boy who was bullied by the bigger guys, excluded from the school sports teams, and was passed over by the girls? So instead of throwing in the towel, he trained very hard until he became so well-built and athletic that the bullies didn't mess with him and all the girls wanted to be with him. There are even IFBB pros with a story similar to that.
If something negative is getting you down, get even by getting hostile with the weights. It won't solve all your problems, but it will relieve much stress. What's more, anger is a great short-term fuel that can lead to intense and productive training sessions. Ideally, the negative emotions should subside as your body firms up into better shape.
Many successful trainees use log books to record their daily workouts, and for good reason. You need to train “progressively,” meaning your workouts should become increasingly difficult in poundages lifted and reps cranked out. Ideally, you should plan out a day's workout before stepping into the gym.
Make sure that if you were able to make every rep in a certain exercise the previous workout, you should then bump up the weight for your next workout.
This is progress, and it will motivate you and keep you from stagnating. Later, as the weeks, months, and years roll by, you can analyze the data and see just how strong you've become and where you're heading.[h=2]Measuring Your Progress[/h]Take measurements every few weeks to see if you're gaining muscle and losing fat, and by how much. Seeing the tape measure stretching an extra inch to encircle your biceps is a crowning achievement that will inspire you to keep going. Same goes for seeing a scale confirm that you've been losing fat. Beware, though – water weight can fluctuate greatly and play tricks with your mind if you weigh yourself from day to day. It's better to take measurements every two to four weeks for a more accurate barometer of how you're doing.[h=2]Mirrors and Photographs[/h]Nobody has to tell you how exciting rewarding it is when you see yourself sporting more muscle and less fat when you look in the mirror. So take full advantage of this motivational tool to further stoke your desire. Pose in front of the same mirror every few days. Make sure the lighting is full, but not too bright.
Some mirrors and lighting will make you look bigger or smaller than others, so find a happy medium. Also ask someone to take photos of you every few months in order to see if you're progressing. Look at these pictures every so often, and take pride in how far you've come. Success will snowball. And if you start losing the motivation, just look at your photos again, you 'll be surprised how fast you get back on track.[h=2]Role Models[/h]To help yourself visualize what you'd look like with more muscle and less fat, flip through fitness magazines and find someone who has roughly the same structure, size, and muscle lines as yourself. But remember, you're not trying to look exactly like that person in the photograph. He's unique, and so are you. Use role models as inspiration, not an obsession. Be your own man.[h=2]Posted Pictures and Other Visual Cues[/h]Once you find pictures of physiques you admire, tape them to your mirror, locker, fridge, or wherever else you'll see it. You could also post motivational sayings. For example, a sign saying “Ripped abs by summer” would be an excellent reminder for the front of your refrigerator.[h=2]Magazines and Movies[/h]When you're looking to dial up your motivation, purchase a training magazine such as AHF, Muscle & Fitness, or Men's Health. They're full of inspirational photos, articles, tips, and routines. Also consider picking up the training videos of some of the pros. You'll probably be both surprised and inspired by how heavy and hard some of the pros go in order to get in shape.[h=2]Choosing the Right Gym[/h]Have you ever noticed how some gyms make you feel like training as soon as you step inside, and others make you want to sleep? Deciding which gym is right for you depends on your goals, but you need to find it and train there. If you want to train to improve at a particular recreational sport, the local Y might suffice. But if you want to become a pro athlete, you need to train where there's a vast array of free weights and machines, as well as guys who'll inspire you to train harder and smarter.
Some gyms also offer courtesy memberships that allow you to train at different clubs in the chain. This can be worth the extra money. Different faces yield new friendships and new training tips. Different equipment and different layouts also might help inspire you on certain days. For example, if one branch of your gym has many leg machines the others clubs don't have, and the environment is inspiring, then why not train there every leg day? It only makes sense.[h=2]Training Partners[/h]While there's no reason why you can't train successfully on your own, a training partner is a valuable ally who can help you to reach your goals more quickly. It should be someone who has the same outlook on training as you do, is roughly the same age, and ideally is just a little bit stronger than you.
You'll make better progress if you're chasing the leader, rather than the other way around. The right partner will energize you, challenge you, pick you up when you're down, and (obviously) spot you through the exercises. Training with someone who's on your team will give you a huge boost and help keep you motivated.[h=2]Making a Social Commitment[/h]Do you really want to crank your training intensity up to a whole new level you've never experienced before? There's nothing as motivating as putting your physique on public display. The thrill of competing and the desire to look your best, along with the fear of embarrassment, will force you to train harder than ever before. In fact, once you've trained for competition, you might find that training afterward isn't half as fun or intense when there's nothing on the line.[h=2]Attending Training Seminars, Health Expos, and Bodybuilding Shows[/h]Training seminars, health expos, and bodybuilding shows are a great place to meet highly motivated people and to learn about new training tips, programs, and products. When your motivation is flagging, hang out for a few hours at a show, and you'll probably want to hit the gym ASAP.
Bodybuilding motivation can be tough to keep high for even the most hardcore trainers. Sooner or later, you'll feel like skipping a workout for one reason or another. But if this becomes the norm instead of the exception, you've got a problem on your hands.
If you feel your motivation to train is slowly fading away – along with some of your hard-earned muscle – you need to get back to basics and reignite your motivation to train.
So where do you start your big comeback from lethargy? Well, the first order of business is to examine your internal motivation and desires, and make sure your mindset is focused for pure, hardcore training. Then once your head is right, you can start practicing some “external” techniques that will further fuel your goals and keep you on target.[h=2]Internal Motivators[/h]Setting Realistic Goals: Yes, you've heard it a million times, but it's the truth. In most cases, a lack of motivation to train comes from a lack of purpose in the gym.
Goal-setting tips for massive muscle will help you to do a reality check so you can honestly ask yourself, “Why am I going to the gym every day, and what am I trying to accomplish?” If you can't answer this basic question, then you'd better sit down and pen some answers on paper before you head back to the gym. If you don't, you'll just be putting in time and going through the motions rather than blasting out reps with intent.
Your goals might range from keeping fit to becoming an all-pro running back. Whatever your ambitions, make sure they're realistic. Hoping to be a world-class athlete when you have extremely poor genetics might be an exercise in futility that will only leave you depressed and disillusioned. However, adding 5 pounds of muscle and dropping 20 pounds of fat might be a goal that suits you perfectly.
Beware of setting goals like “doing my best to tone up.' When there's no definite objective spelled out, your results will likely be less than stellar. Try to set a goal that's quantifiable, such as pounds gained or lost.
Also set yearly goals, and think like a bodybuilder, even if you're not. Structure your training in phases, alternating a few weeks at a time between power training and hypertrophy (bodybuilding-type training). The yearly campaigns will then add up toward your overall long-term plan. It's easier to split up your fitness ambitions into several smaller, achievable goals than to try to accomplish a few years worth of work before it's possible.
Visualizing Victory: Many pro sports teams will watch videos of victory parades from other teams, and imagine that they themselves will win and have a parade of their own some day. Why is this the case? Because if your mind can't perceive your goal, your body won't be able to follow through and achieve it.
Always be thinking of success – so much that you not only want it, but can almost taste it. Stand in front of the mirror and imagine yourself with bigger biceps, larger shoulders, and ripped abs. Do it almost every day. Also imagine the compliments people will pay you when they see your body changing for the better. This is what you want, isn't it? Then, to put the dream into action, imagine yourself performing the very exercises that'll give you the body you want.
About an hour before your workouts, mentally rehearse the exercises in your mind. Imagine yourself powering up more weight than you've ever lifted before. Imagine your training partner's reaction to how strong and intense you are that day.
Imagine how good that barbell will feel in your hands, and how awesome the ensuing pump will feel after you're destroyed the weights. By visualizing victory, you will be fostering and reinforcing positive thoughts about success and vanquishing any negatives, such as fear of failure. The more you think you're successful, the more you'll believe it, and the easier it'll be to achieve it.
Self-Talk: This is similar to visualizing victory, except that here you're vocalizing victory. Repeat inspiring phrases quietly to yourself, such as “Failure is not an option! Nobody or thing will get in my way!” “These #@^@ weights have no chance!” Get the idea? Try self-talk right before a heavy lift. Also tell your training partner to say positive things to you that drive you, such as “Is that an XS t-shirt? ” Or, “ Bet you can't bench more than me? ” Or “Do a couple more! Feel the pain brother!” This type drive and motivation yourself could gain you an extra rep or two – and that means more growth!
Using Emotion to Fuel Your Workouts: In life, people are fueled by many emotions, and training is no different. Perhaps the healthiest emotions you can have toward training are passion for the sport and self-gratification and happiness and fulfillment achieving a beautiful body body of a Greek God. These, in turn, bring confidence and a sense of well-being. However, people are people, and at times negative emotions like anger, jealousy, and rage swell up and cause negative energy. And since energy cannot be destroyed, but only transferred, you can actually use the negative emotions for positive gains.
How often have you heard about the skinny teenage boy who was bullied by the bigger guys, excluded from the school sports teams, and was passed over by the girls? So instead of throwing in the towel, he trained very hard until he became so well-built and athletic that the bullies didn't mess with him and all the girls wanted to be with him. There are even IFBB pros with a story similar to that.
If something negative is getting you down, get even by getting hostile with the weights. It won't solve all your problems, but it will relieve much stress. What's more, anger is a great short-term fuel that can lead to intense and productive training sessions. Ideally, the negative emotions should subside as your body firms up into better shape.
Many successful trainees use log books to record their daily workouts, and for good reason. You need to train “progressively,” meaning your workouts should become increasingly difficult in poundages lifted and reps cranked out. Ideally, you should plan out a day's workout before stepping into the gym.
Make sure that if you were able to make every rep in a certain exercise the previous workout, you should then bump up the weight for your next workout.
This is progress, and it will motivate you and keep you from stagnating. Later, as the weeks, months, and years roll by, you can analyze the data and see just how strong you've become and where you're heading.[h=2]Measuring Your Progress[/h]Take measurements every few weeks to see if you're gaining muscle and losing fat, and by how much. Seeing the tape measure stretching an extra inch to encircle your biceps is a crowning achievement that will inspire you to keep going. Same goes for seeing a scale confirm that you've been losing fat. Beware, though – water weight can fluctuate greatly and play tricks with your mind if you weigh yourself from day to day. It's better to take measurements every two to four weeks for a more accurate barometer of how you're doing.[h=2]Mirrors and Photographs[/h]Nobody has to tell you how exciting rewarding it is when you see yourself sporting more muscle and less fat when you look in the mirror. So take full advantage of this motivational tool to further stoke your desire. Pose in front of the same mirror every few days. Make sure the lighting is full, but not too bright.
Some mirrors and lighting will make you look bigger or smaller than others, so find a happy medium. Also ask someone to take photos of you every few months in order to see if you're progressing. Look at these pictures every so often, and take pride in how far you've come. Success will snowball. And if you start losing the motivation, just look at your photos again, you 'll be surprised how fast you get back on track.[h=2]Role Models[/h]To help yourself visualize what you'd look like with more muscle and less fat, flip through fitness magazines and find someone who has roughly the same structure, size, and muscle lines as yourself. But remember, you're not trying to look exactly like that person in the photograph. He's unique, and so are you. Use role models as inspiration, not an obsession. Be your own man.[h=2]Posted Pictures and Other Visual Cues[/h]Once you find pictures of physiques you admire, tape them to your mirror, locker, fridge, or wherever else you'll see it. You could also post motivational sayings. For example, a sign saying “Ripped abs by summer” would be an excellent reminder for the front of your refrigerator.[h=2]Magazines and Movies[/h]When you're looking to dial up your motivation, purchase a training magazine such as AHF, Muscle & Fitness, or Men's Health. They're full of inspirational photos, articles, tips, and routines. Also consider picking up the training videos of some of the pros. You'll probably be both surprised and inspired by how heavy and hard some of the pros go in order to get in shape.[h=2]Choosing the Right Gym[/h]Have you ever noticed how some gyms make you feel like training as soon as you step inside, and others make you want to sleep? Deciding which gym is right for you depends on your goals, but you need to find it and train there. If you want to train to improve at a particular recreational sport, the local Y might suffice. But if you want to become a pro athlete, you need to train where there's a vast array of free weights and machines, as well as guys who'll inspire you to train harder and smarter.
Some gyms also offer courtesy memberships that allow you to train at different clubs in the chain. This can be worth the extra money. Different faces yield new friendships and new training tips. Different equipment and different layouts also might help inspire you on certain days. For example, if one branch of your gym has many leg machines the others clubs don't have, and the environment is inspiring, then why not train there every leg day? It only makes sense.[h=2]Training Partners[/h]While there's no reason why you can't train successfully on your own, a training partner is a valuable ally who can help you to reach your goals more quickly. It should be someone who has the same outlook on training as you do, is roughly the same age, and ideally is just a little bit stronger than you.
You'll make better progress if you're chasing the leader, rather than the other way around. The right partner will energize you, challenge you, pick you up when you're down, and (obviously) spot you through the exercises. Training with someone who's on your team will give you a huge boost and help keep you motivated.[h=2]Making a Social Commitment[/h]Do you really want to crank your training intensity up to a whole new level you've never experienced before? There's nothing as motivating as putting your physique on public display. The thrill of competing and the desire to look your best, along with the fear of embarrassment, will force you to train harder than ever before. In fact, once you've trained for competition, you might find that training afterward isn't half as fun or intense when there's nothing on the line.[h=2]Attending Training Seminars, Health Expos, and Bodybuilding Shows[/h]Training seminars, health expos, and bodybuilding shows are a great place to meet highly motivated people and to learn about new training tips, programs, and products. When your motivation is flagging, hang out for a few hours at a show, and you'll probably want to hit the gym ASAP.
