Achieving More than You Think

“You can outdistance that which is running after you, but not what is running inside you” (Rwandan proverb). During anaerobic weight lifting regimens a person can use a push-pull (agonist-antagonist), large muscle group-small muscle group, or upper body-lower body routine, among others. Super-sets, pyramiding up and down, time under tension, eccentric contraction focused, isometrics, lactate accumulation, tearing down to build up, calisthenics, free weights, machines, among multitudes of ways to build and retain muscle exist. There should not be a reason to get bored lifting or working out. Varying exercises, methods, rest intervals, durations between sets and reps, and amount of sets and reps can be structured precisely to meet or exceed your goals. Always focus on competing against yourself. There is always room for improvement. Check with a certified personal trainer (CPT) for specific exercise routines tailored to meet your fitness and overall health goals. Respectable certifications that a CPT may possess include American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), or a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), which is through NSCA. Use discretion accordingly. The first step in achieving a goal is getting started!