Do What You Don't Like

If you want to make some real progress in the gym, start doing stuff you don't like. Chances are you're doing everything you like to do: lat pulldowns, leg presses, leg curls, rope pressdowns and slow, mind numbing cardio. Why do people like to do exercises such as these? Because they're much easier to do than squats, deadlifts, pull ups or high intensity interval training. This second group of exercises requires much more effort. And they may even require a bit more time, unless you're that guy loading 12 plates to each side of the leg press. Have you ever heard any one say they like doing 200 meter or 400 meter work at the track? No, because its hard. Why do people like using the elliptical so much? And don't' tell me because it spares your joints. They like it because it takes the strength of a mouse to get those pedals moving. I know very few people who will crank up the resistance on the elliptical, but I know a lot of people who could memorize the latest issue of People magazine word for word while using the elliptical.

Here's the other thing. I know very few of you are going to do stuff you don't like if you're left to do it on your own. So I'll make two suggestions. One, hire a trainer if you can. A trainer is not going to switch up an exercise or program because you said "I really don't like doing that". That is if the trainer's thought process is about getting you results. Two, if you can not hire a trainer to meet with, have a trainer write out a program for a much smaller fee. He or she she will probably have exercises or set/rep schemes on there that you're not really fond of. But again, is it about making progress and getting results or is it about taking the easy way out and liking what you do? Who knows? You may even enjoy doing some chin ups once you realize the effect they have on your strength and appearance.