The Devil's in the Details

I often hear people saying they want to get in shape or start a new diet, but can't figure out how to get started. Most often they end up not doing anything because they are overwhelmed by all the information and different programs available. With the internet it's amazing how much stuff is out there! A case of paralysis by analysis often takes place, and self loathing sets in. The idea that there is a perfect program or diet out there is a fallacy created by so called "gurus" who are merely looking to sell you on themselves, and usually take your money in doing so. I'm here to tell you it's all a bunch of bologna. 

The number one thing to remember is that if you have been sedentary for a long while, anything you do will be beneficial. Secondly, quantity over quality is a fast track to stagnation. What? "But Jeff, I saw online that all the guys from 300 worked out 7 days a week and drank the blood of virgin goats to get ripped!" Yeah... Try to remember that most plans out there, especially for actors and the like, are extremely specific and oriented toward one goal; getting a certain look for on screen. The average person doesn't need 7 days a week, in fact that could be detrimental to your progress. Don't overlook recovery; it's the conductor on your train to being healthy and fit. I've personally worked out 3, 4, and 6 days a week over the past few years, and have seen results from each strategy. The key is finding what will work for you and your life. Lastly, try to remember that you are a unique human being with certain limitations. You may not be able to safely do programs that a professional athlete does on a daily basis, and that's okay. Health and fitness is a competition with yourself, and no one else. Track progress by your own data points and not what others are doing. Remember that no two workouts are created equal. We may do exactly the same exercises with sets, reps, weight, and rest periods being equal, but there will be differences. Small things like how much sleep you got the night prior, what you ate before, how long ago you ate, hydration, range of motion, and the list goes on. 

The point here is to not let the minutia stop you from working toward your goals. Start small, keep it simple, and stick with it. As Yoda would say, "Do, or do not. There is no try."