Seriously, how long have you been working out "hard"?
Did you try a workout from a magazine that was "hard"?
Did you watch a workout video on YouTube that looked "hard"?
I know a ton of trainers that think that you just give people one random ass kicking workout after another.
Now, I'm not going to say that that doesn't work. It just doesn't work for very long.
That's why all of their clients have hit a plateau.
And that's why so many people reading this have hit a plateau.
At some point you need to get smarter than that.
Really, it doesn't take much to kick someone's ass. You just keep them moving.
Look – some workouts DO need to seriously kick your ass.
But other workouts need to be deliberately and thoughtfully planned active rest.
If you've been working out more than six months and really pushing yourself hard, you should NOT be go balls to the wall EVERY WORKOUT anymore.
On the flipside, if you are someone who doesn't push yourself to heavier weights or more reps, you need to start really pushing yourself at least once per week.
You can't do completely random workouts every time.
But you can't do the same workouts forever.
Workouts have to shift like seasons.
You need to have a plan.
Look, of course you have to work hard – but if you don't work smart, your hard work is a waste of time.
Just a reminder =)
Josh
P.S. If you are tired of trying to figure it out, and want the absolute most effective smart workouts in existence, then join my Platinum Coaching Club.
I think it is very important to follow all these tips and guidance for exercising to be able to obtain maximum results from the same.
I work out three times a week and each time I do a different workout rotating 6 different kinds of workouts. It really helps to change it up yet it is still routine.
Hi, Josh.
I have a bone to pick with this one. I know I’m not your target audience, but I do random workouts and go balls to the wall nearly every workout. Judging by last week’s 13 consecutive bar muscleups, 170 consecutive double unders, untrained-for olympic distance triathlon in 2:49:24, and 240 lb. overhead squat, it works for me. I’ve been at this for almost ten years and the gains keep coming almost every day.
You need to plan your workouts in that you want to hit fundamental exercises (squat, olympic lifts, run, jump, pullup, pushup, etc) at high intensity, and you want to make sure you’re not ignoring any fundamental exercises in your training. However, the need for planning beyond that level is oversold for non-professional athletes, in my opinion.
My best results, as well as though from the athletes I train with, have come from embracing random physical challenges as often as possible. This approach builds a mental and physical character that is capable of adapting to any challenge that presents itself.
That said, most of your advice on this site is solid and you seem to be targeting a new audience with this information. Your stuff is much more effective than the mainstream (TV and fitness magazine) weight loss advice being dished out today. Keep it up.
Russ, I agree with your random workout comment. And for most of us mere mortals I think you’re right about the progressive load, but as I get older I have found that I have to listen to my body and have active rest workouts built in.
By the way – that’s a serious triathlon time if you don’t train at all. I’m an oldish buck (47), but I started training for tris this year and I’d be happy with a 2:49 Oly. I would drown doing the mile swim without training!