Flip Your Script

It’s always easy when you’re starting a new workout regime to get caught up in the newest workout program, trending group fitness classes. etc. One thing a lot of folks don’t make sure of is that to be able to do the workout or class effectively and gain the most benefits from it, you must be able to physically DO the workout. I’ve stated before that many individuals have lofty ambitions when they start to workout, i.e. losing alot of weight, getting super muscular, etc., but people who have been doing this for a while know that that’s far from the truth. A lot of people tend to neglect the basics of working out because who wants to be left behind the others in the gym, to have everyone looking at the dumbass workout that’s fit for little kids to do? First of all, NO ONE IS LOOKING AT YOU. Everybody is either in their headphones listening to their music, looking at their phones, in the middle of a set, talking to friends, etc. Trust me, looking and studying you is the last thing on people’s minds. Secondly, basic workouts are actually some of the best workouts that yield results in my opinion.

The more intricate an exercise is, the less finesse and technique is coming out of it. People are more focused on the fact at times that the exercise they’re doing looks impressive more so than actually doing anything for you. Men are horrible at this at times because our egos get in the way….yet again. Sizing each other up through who can produce a heavier lift is not going to allow you to be the alpha of the gym if you get injured. Err on the side of caution, shove your ego aside and do what’s safe, not what looks impressive and cool. What are the basics you might ask? Bicep curls, chest presses, seated rows and tricep extensions just to name a few.

Think of the machines in your gym or fitness center. THOSE are the basics and probably the most effect in ways of starting your workout journey. I’m not saying stick with these things your entire life, that would be stupid because at some point, you are going to need to progress to something more challenging. What I’m saying is is that don’t try too much too soon because again, you could be setting yourself up for injury. For people on the other side of the coin, who are more than okay not graduating to free weight or other forms of exercise, if you want to see yourself reach those next levels, you will have to progress and modify your workouts, that’s the science of weightlifting. If you do the same exercises everyday, you work the same muscles everyday and neglect the other ones in your body and that’s what creates imbalances in your body.

We all want to try new and interesting things but the bottom line is classic ways of working out are the best way to start. True, it can get boring but it’s going to set the scene for when you do progress yourself to the next level to be that much more easy to complete.

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John Schessler, Jr. is a Wellness Coach and Personal Trainer working outside of Pittsburgh.  He is also writer, actor and host of his podcast, "ManAlive!", available on Apple and Spotify Podcasts.  Please email all comments and inquires to j.schessler@pghwellnesscoach.com.