Study and research

Scott Schwab:

Like with anything in life, it is better to be prepared then not to be prepared. What I mean by that is researching and studying what you are wanting to do for the 8 week challenge that is figuratively, knocking at the door. One thing that has worked for me in the past is to look through past blogs and decide what it is that I want to accomplish that day or that week at the gym. I also spend a little leisure time visiting some running sites and some general health sites for tips. Like a well written term paper, research is key. So before you jump into another 8 week challenge, with the desire to succeed but no reason for doing so, take the time and set yourself up for success. We have talked before about the benefits to making goals and a plan. This is an extension of that same principle. If you want to be successful, plan out your first week before Monday comes. That way you are already anticipating what it will be. For example, if I am looking to slim down and put on some lean muscle, I would want the majority of my week to include cardio. This can be done by doing cardio everyday, 3 times a week or even two times a week. It is important though to mix it up and do different cardio workouts for different days. That way your body does not get used to the same routine. Even with a cardio routine, one should plan on strength conditioning to build muscle and burn more fat. So when you look at throwing around some dumb bells or like a good friend once said, "push some steal" know what it is you want to accomplish. Lifting weights will not bulk you just because you regularly lift. Having a routine will burn fat faster, many times, then cardio itself. So in short, the moral of the story is to take a couple of days and decide what it is you are going to do and what you want to improve upon for this next 8 week challenge, or in your life in general. If it is important enough, you will write it down. Keep track, make a plan, and set goals.