One
common occurrence that seems to accompany the competitive lifestyle is the yo-yo effect, or that of experiencing extreme highs followed by extreme lows! Anyone who has been around this realm for even a small amount of time witnesses this and honestly, it does not have to be this way!
Extreme swings not only hurt your physical gains, but also your mental outlook, health, career, relationships, etc. So why do these extreme swings occur? Well, honestly most competitors are rather extreme people who will take things to levels that most never dream of, but also the counter side is true, these extremes are very hard to maintain for lengths of time and eventually will break anyone. These “breaks” are where the real damage is done! Ever notice how many people do a competition or even many competitions and then just disappear never to return? Well, it happens, and it happens a lot!
It can be from many things; too extreme of a diet, not enough support, drugs, health problems, no real goals, no long-term plan, feeling that because you didn’t place you didn’t do well, etc. The common theme that runs through all of these and life in general is balance.
I have said it many times before and I will continue to, because it is the ultimate truth! You cannot be out of balance in anything for long before you will fall! Some of the best “balanced” people I know are those that have fallen before, but have gotten back up no matter how hard it may be, learned from their falling, and carried on ahead with a new balance! You see, I too have fallen many times and I will again, but each time I only rise up stronger with a stronger foundation upon which to balance on!
There are several steps to finding this balance. First and foremost understand just what you are undertaking and make absolutely sure that you have the proper time to devote to your goals. If you are even slightly unsure then you don’t have enough time as things will always come up.
Next, seek out the expertise of someone with a proven track record for coaching competitors in the particular division you want to compete in. This is huge! I would also try to find somebody local as your first option, as the face-to-face time is very important. Don’t be afraid to talk to several competitors and coaches to find the right fit for you. Everyone has their different specialties and area of expertise.
I would also highly suggest working with a coach that can also properly implement the nature of the “lifestyle” with you, typically talking to previous clients will help you determine this. I tell people all the time, anyone can tell you to eat 500 calories a day and do 2+ hours of cardio, but is that what is ultimately best for balance? Certainly not.
Also, keep in mind that you can get perfectly effective plans from a $5 magazine, but that magazine is just like paint. Anyone can buy it, but few can paint a masterpiece. This is exactly why it is about so much more than the “plan” put down on paper; honestly it is a hypothesis at best.
To truly learn to live the lifestyle you will need support from someone who is experienced in much more than diet and exercise, particularly the first 21-28 days. After you have attained these initial steps the real work begins, as it is truly a daily and often moment to moment practice! You will have slip-ups, things will come up, etc. But learning from your slip-ups and remembering just why you are doing what you are doing will allow you to turn your initial steps into habits, and habits into your lifestyle!
“Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance." — Brian Tracy
Thank you to all who take the time to read my words, if they are able to help just one person then I am that much closer to my goal!
-Stay Strong; It’s more than Physical-
Derek is a Professional Firefighter, Fitness Coach, and Physique Athlete with a Lifetime of REAL WORLD Experience in the Fitness Industry! For further information you can contact Derek at:
970Muscle Website:
970Muscle Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/970Muscle
www.MensPhysique.com:
http://www.rxmuscle.com/Derek-Trombetta.html
Subscribe to RxMuscle on Youtube
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|||
