I admit, bulging biceps and chiseled abs do look good; to me and most everyone else. Inarguably, the aesthetic value of a muscular physique is attractive. And for the possessor, those muscles are like a trophy case, declaring profound achievement. And, yes, I too want them. In fact, 6 days a week I bust my bum in the pursuit of those trophies. Proudly, I have a few in my case to show off. But is that all it is about, vanity? What happened to function? How do you build those glamorous, aesthetically pleasing muscles and at the same time build practical strength and ability for everyday life affairs?
Is it in the training?
There is far more to fitness training than weight lifting. When I say that, I imagine your mind rushes straight to cardio. Boring, right? You might also consider martial arts. Both are elements of fitness training but they are not exclusive elements to build practical strength. There are other elements that are powerfully effective in transforming your weightlifting routines into practical strength building regimens.
Today, I have 5 elements that I present to you that I am confident will help ensure that you develop applicable power and strength in your training journey.
Get Your Attitude Right
Focus, intention and determination matched with purpose, passion and intensity will bring the rewards you seek. Stated another way, “Knock it out of the park” every time you workout. No half way, so- so, kind of, sort of attitudes. 100%. Go Big or Go Home attitudes only please! Set your sights on the prize; a fit, strong, powerful and functional YOU. Get rid of any doubt, fear, shame, guilt, whatever holds you back. BRING IT! Plain and simple.
Core, Core, and more Core
Your core is your powerhouse. Yea, I know, some would argue that the glutes are the real horsepower in fitness. Think about it. If you are a runner, yes those glutes, hamstrings and quads are your horsepower. We aren’t talking about running a marathon though. We are talking about how to build practical strength that allows you to be the best moving assistant a friend could ask for. And that hands down, irrefutably comes from a strong core. So work it. Pound it out. Whether it is an abs routine or any other workout, focus on that core. Focus, focus and focus some more.
Build a Skill
Add an interest to your workout routine. Kenpo, my favorite martial arts workout regimen, is a great example. Not only does it provide a powerful workout but it hones a valuable skill in the process. Just find something that has practical as well as fitness value and incorporate it into your plan. You’ll be rewarded with a fit body and a new skill that will build practical strength at the same time.
Use Your Body
Put down the weights for a change. Use your bodyweight instead. Plyometrics is one of the best ways to incorporate powerfully effective bodyweight movements into your fitness plan and build practical strength. Squat thrusts, jump thrusts, star jumps, step ups and tuck jumps will build natural, applicable power and get your metabolism burning like a 5 alarm fire.
Be Mobile
Develop workouts that can be accomplished anytime, anywhere with any available tools. Whether hotel rooms, parking lots, on the trail, in the living room, in grandma’s back bedroom before that big holiday meal, wherever, be prepared with a plan that will allow you to continue the journey.
The bottom line is simple. Weightlifting is a wonderful sport. It is a passion of mine and one I doubt I’ll ever surrender. Yet, I want to build practical strength as well as that vanity physique. I don’t want to be THAT GUY; the one that looks like a fitness model but can’t rise to the demands of life. How about you? Am I right that you seek the same? Alright then, incorporate these simple elements into your fitness journey, watch your muscles grow and your practical strength increase at the same time.
And if you need help beginning your journey, to develop lean muscle and build practical strength, I have just the opportunity for you! Extreme Body Transformation is a 90 day fitness program that will get you on the path to fitness success! Make today the first day of your journey!
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Carl Mason- Liebenberg is a Wellness and Weight Loss Specialist, Author, Fitness Coach, and a Leader in Creating a Lifestyle of Wellness.
His passion is for those who suffer from poor nutrition, related illnesses, addictions and overweight conditions; with a specific focus on women. Carl unveils the power of nutrition and fitness to bring recovery, healing, restoration and strength.
Carl has personally experienced what he teaches and continues to study and learn to improve his ability to teach you a Lifestyle of Wellness.
He has recently launched the Ultimate 30 Day Body Reset Guide that you’ll want to be sure to obtain in your journey to authentic wellness. For more information and opportunities please join him at http://www.el3mentsofwellness.com.
