The most important part of training: A rant by EightO

[EightO]

"Pump your chest!"
"Peak your bi's!"
"Get HYUUUUUGE!"
"Get LEAN!"

I see all too many threads started on here that completely overlook the most important part of training. Training is not always about looking good; training is not always about getting big; training is not always about getting lean.

The most important question that you must ask yourself before beginning to train (be it with weightlifting, powerlifting, running, swimming- shit, I don't care how you want to train) is WHAT IS MY GOAL. Without a clear goal set in your mind, all the training you do means jack shit.

Many a member of the attraction forum's goal in training will probably be to look good naked; but this is not specific enough. The training that an overweight-never-been-in-the-gym-former-online-gamer will undertake is vastly different from that of the man who has subsisted on a life of beef jerky, alcohol, and chips, and still dissapears when he turns sideways. So set your goals individual to your body: You say that you weigh 300 pounds? Then fat loss should be your #1 goal. You weigh 130 pounds and have trouble carrying groceries? Building strength with compound movements should be your #1 goal. You have an average build, and want to compete in a triathlon? Triathlon training should be your #1 goal.

After setting a clear goal, you must match your training and nutrition to your goal. I'm not going to lay out training and nutrition guidelines for every possible eventuality, but if you are serious about training hard and eating right, e-mail or PM me and I will help you find resources to jump-start your learning process. Remember: These elements will be unique to you and your goals. My core training routine may do absolutely nothing to contribute to your goal of climbing Mount Everest, so don't use it just because it works amazingly well for me.

Once you have determined how you are going to need to train (hard) and eat (clean) comes the hardest part: Remaining consistent. The best-laid plan, tailored-made to help you achieve your goals, will do nothing if it is: A) not followed with 90% consistency, or B) quickly changed out for the newest "pump your pecs" routine. Consistency is the key to true body transformation or strength gains.

If you can do all of these things, set a goal, match your training and nutrition, and remain consistent, you will be well on your way to being a super-stud, or the strongest guy on the block, or the biggest badass there has ever been (specific to your goals, of course).