The other day a client of mine was firing off some training questions about how I was able to help him get bigger and stronger while keeping his body fat at bay (within +/-1%). He first asked if it’s difficult to plan for all this and the difference between high-rep low-weight and high-weight low-rep training. After touching on training principles, hypertrophy phases, and all that fancy stuff. He then asked me a question I have yet had the pleasure to answer.
He asked: “what do you think is the hardest type of person to work with? Muscle gain, fat loss, things like that.”
Now, if you’re a decent coach you know all of these goals are dependent on the person and the coaches ability, and their teamwork and communication through this journey.
The answer I replied with was something I think a lot of people need to hear; “the hardest person to work with, is the one who is inconsistent.”
*GENERALLY PUT*
Fat loss is simple, but it’s not easy. Eat in a caloric deficit, lift for strength, stay active, work on reinforcing good habits, sleep.
Gaining muscle is simple, but not easy. Manage training volumes, work on progression that doesn’t interfere with performance, eat in a caloric surplus most of the time, and sleep.
Yes, all of that is easier said than done, but... throw in being inconsistent and where will you go? Nowhere! You won’t even find out if what you’re doing is or isn’t working!
I get you might be thinking by that it’s more difficult than that, but I consider myself a good coach and I’m confident in my ability to work with people, but the BIGGEST factor in weather people get results or not is lack of consistency. It doesn't have anything to do with body type or goals, really. A decent Coach will be able to coach and bring good results to anyone who shows up really. Those who are very consistent (Inside AND Outside of the gym) have a better chance of getting exceptional results. I’m fortunate enough to work with hard working people who really show up to every session mentally and physically. These great people in my circle (my clients) even do their part at home where it matters just as much! But it hasn’t always been like that. People have come to 30m sessions 15 mins late. People have cancelled hours before because of reasons we both would consider quite ridiculous.
If you’re on your own journey, thinking of how difficult things are or how they might get, just know that your consistency amongst other things will be your saving grace for results.
A great example is if you train for 2 weeks then take a week off repeatedly. You make progress, lose progress, then go back to meeting your old progress where you left it. If you decided ok, I’m going to do something —no matter what it is, whenever I can, you will have improved just a little bit every single time. Yes, the 1% better everyday thing is real and is ADDS UP!
Click here for an amazing article on "Pause Button Mentality" from Precision Nutrition, and see for yourself what happens when you put a pause on your health and fitness repeatedly.
Currently, I’m working on a testimonial post with someone who’s been one of the most consistent clients I’ve ever had and she has gone from knowing very little to doing complex exercises, very well. I’m excited to show you what consistency does for people so stay tuned and STAY CONSISTENT!
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