December 16, 2009

What Kind Of Lifter Are You?

As the year draws to a close, do you ever look back over it and ask yourself…What have I accomplished this year?

Did you fulfill those resolutions you set back in January?

Do you REMEMBER those resolutions you set back in January?

Have you accomplished or atleast made progress on you muscle building goals? Why or why not?

In reference to the above questions, I’ve made progress on my yearly goals but haven’t quite met them. Lack of consistency and resources being the main drawback in the battle.

As I reflected, I came up with two kinds of people in this world. (yes another one of those “two kinds of people analogies)

There are people that get it done, and people that don’t. Which are you?

I’m not ashamed to say that in some areas of my life, I fail to get it done. We all do.

As the new year approaches, and you reflect on 2009, it’s time to ask yourself, “what kind of lifter are you?”

All of my time in the gym observing people has left me with four categories of lifters. It’s important to note that these can be anyone at any age. Where do you fit in?

1. Babies

A baby is totally dependent upon outside influence for their growth and maturation. They know little to nothing about the world that surrounds them. You know you’re a baby if you do the following:

You’re a total gym newbie
You know very little about nutrition, purpose of lifts, how muscles work, importance of rest, and haven’t learned to tell the difference between a barbell and a dumbbell
You rely on what they see others in the gym do or what their friends tell them

Nothing wrong with being a baby. We all have to start somewhere. Just make sure you grow.

2. Boys

Boys have a bit more control of their body, but their minds are emotionally immature. They are still mainly dependent on others, though they are learning to be self-sufficent. You know you’re a boy if you do the following:

These are the guys that atleast know to take a protein shake
You have a subscription to a muscle magazine and try some of the workouts
You know a little about nutrition, but not all the fine details that are needed
You chase the next shiny object and never get anywhere, a.k.a. the next “cutting edge” supplement, or newest workout
You also follow the crowd and we all know the crowd never gets very far

Again, boys can grow. So don’t be alarmed because this is where MOST lifters are.

3. Men

Men are independent, free thinking, and emotionally mature. They make decisions based on their goals, not on what everyone else is doing. You’re a man if:

You go the gym with a log, water, and a stop watch (minimum)
You’re focused on your workouts
Most of the time, you’re alone because you don’t have time to lift with “babies” or “boys”
You are following a program, either one you laid out, or one you got from a muscle building program review
You’re educated on nutrition, basic muscle function, basic cell function, proper lifts, proper rest, and most of all you’ve learned, or are learning about your body to get the best results for yourself
You don’t chase shiny objects because you’re set on a particular goal
You carefully consideration shiny objects and their worth to your goals

Now we’re separating the “men” from the “boys” because these guys are serious about their results and they know how to get them.

4. Experts

Experts have traveled the road to body transformation and are leading others down their own paths. You’re an expert if:

People are always asking you for advice
You’ve achieved a body that the girls want to feel and the guys want to have
You have a thorough knowledge of the main components of muscle building and are willing and able to assist others effectively
You see appear on forums, blogs, and websites giving great advice, and may even make a little money off of it
No shiny things here, because either you’ve tried it, or can tell you what does and doesn’t work from experience and knowlege

Notice, I didn’t put any time limits on the different levels, because they are based on experience and knowledge gained. Knowledge can come pretty quickly, but experience takes time. Experience depends on the person as to how fast they acquire it.

Since I have my own muscle building blog, I better fit in at “men” or “expert” right?

Where do I fit in? I’d honestly say that I’m a “new expert” right now.

So tell me, where do you fit in?

Until next time, Happy Lifting!

Mitch

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