We, 
as Men’s Physique Competitors, have a problem. A serious problem. Let me explain. We enjoy pain. We enjoy discomfort. We enjoy getting up at 4:30 in the morning because others don’t do it. We don’t like to be normal. We push ourselves outside of our comfort zone. We push ourselves to a point that we didn’t know we could. We eat peculiarly, or as my kids say ‘food for our muscles’. We cook our food for a week at a time. We eat almonds out of a plastic bag, and drink protein shakes at family barbeques.
The problem? Our desire to succeed and build the best body possible can become an obsession and take away from other, more important parts of our life, namely our family, our religion, our job, etc.. So, how do we build a balanced life, while still having that same dedication and inner strength we strive for?
Let me share a couple things that I have done that has helped me to remain focused & committed, but helped me achieve balance in my life.
Rise & Shine
When I was working in the corporate world, I would usually get up around 4-4:30am. I did this so I could go to the gym early, get to work, and then get home to spend time with family. Sure it was a sacrifice, but really, not a big one if you think about it.
Dick Hoyt pushed his son thousands of miles in that custom stroller, carried him hundreds of miles in a raft, and rode with him on a bike thousands of miles. Are you telling me that getting up and going to the gym before work is too hard? Gimme a break. That’s nothing. Man up, and get to the gym early so you can spend time with your family.
As a side benefit, I liked the fact that I was up working out, while others were still in their nice,
cozy bed’s sleeping. It reaffirmed my commitment to myself.
Perspective
It helps to step back and look at things from a 20,000 foot level. When you have a family that you are responsible for, things will occasionally come up.
For example, sometimes when we are out as a family doing something fun, we opt to spend more time out than originally planned. Is it a big deal that I miss one meal? No. Is my meal more important than my family? Not a chance!
What about when you are getting ready to go to the gym and your spouse reminds you that you need to be home at a certain time because you need to take your son to Scouts. You think “Crap, I was planning on doing 20 rep squats, followed by walking lunges, followed by negatives on the leg press, followed by…”, well, you get the point. Now take a step back, look at the big picture. A good solution would be to do some supersets or circuits at the gym that day and get done sooner.
‘But, but, but’, you say, ‘I have my workout that I need to follow’. CHILL. Mixing it up every once in a while is a good thing AND so is spending time with your kid.
Wrap It Up
I remember something that Marc Lobliner said once: “Bodybuilding should enhance one’s life, not take it over”. That is 100% spot on. I train because it makes me a better person. It makes me stronger mentally and physically. It pushes me outside of my comfort zone; after all, we know that success doesn’t come from staying in the comfort zone.
That being said, remember those things and people that are most important in your life and don’t let stuff such as bodybuilding come in the way of your relationship with them.
About the Author.
Tyson Downs is a ISSA Certified Personal Trainer. He offer’s offers personal training service at his website TyDownsFitness.com. He also competes in the NPC in the Men’s Physique division.
Subscribe to RxMuscle on Youtube
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|||
