Though Diane and I already addressed the problem of staying
motivated (click here to read
it), we continue to have more requests about secrets for
staying motivated and decided to tackle this problem again
this week. Hopefully you will find what you need to fire up
your own enthusiasm here.
Getting all the correct information on training and
nutrition can be difficult with all the contradictory
information out there. Many of you have studied all the books
and Web sites and talked to champions and have figured out how
to get that great physique, but just aren't motivated to
actually put all that knowledge to work. It was never a
problem for me when I competed. I was so frightened of
stepping on stage and making a fool of myself, I made sure I
did what I could every day to look my best. Since I quit
competing, I've had to find other ways to motivate myself.
Here's a more thorough look at what Diane and I do and what we
suggest you do:
Richard Begins:
- Take photos of yourself!
When you see how bad
you look, it will drive you to get better. The B&W photo of
me used on this page was taken six to eight weeks after I
just looked in the mirror and didn't like what I saw. I was
happy with my accomplishment. So my advice to people is to
take a photo of yourself and then take new photos every six
weeks until you are in the shape you desire. That is, don't
try to accomplish miracles in six weeks if you haven't been
training and eating fairly well and just need to up the
intensity for a month or two to get back into shape. Most of
you haven't gotten into that shape in six weeks and it's
going to take longer than six weeks to get in the shape you
want.
- Find photos of others that inspire you.
I'm
inspired to achieve a look that is pleasing, not just
grotesque.
When I was a kid I
saw photos of Greek statues, like the discobolos of Myron or
Laocoon, and got it into my head that that is what men
should look like instead of the beer-gut, no-ass,
skinny-legged excuses for manhood I saw walking around at
the local swimming pool.
bbb Later I saw a
picture of John Grimek that demonstrated to me what real
manhood could achieve. Perched on a pillar was a god in the
flesh! The highlight of my life was later actually meeting
the great JCG in person when I was only 20 years old. He is
one of the few people I've ever met that lived up to my
expectations in real life.
Another guy is none other than the first Mr. Olympia,
Larry Scott. This picture on the cover of Muscular
Development blew my mind. It still does! For me, no one has
even come close to the perfection of Scott's arms, other
than Lee Priest.
Both of these pictures have emotional moments attached to
them so that they still are able to create motivation in me
as they did years ago. Needless to say, both pictures are
prominently displayed on my gym walls. I look at those
photos and feel twenty years old and ready to pump my heart
out!
3. Listen to music. I see a lot of people with
headsets listening to their favorite music or motivation
tapes. When I first began training in the 60s, I played
music (the old surfer stuff: Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, etc.)
and getting copies of that old stuff and playing it again
got me right back into the psyche-mode too! (Just ask Ms.
Fields. She's been in my gym and will attest to all these
facts.)
4. Training partners. I never really needed a
training partner to motivate me. In fact, I found them a
hindrance: most people work out too slow or don't show up on
time or aren't motivated themselves and drain my energy
trying get them psyched up. But it really works for a lot of
people. I've seen a couple of guys or gals train together
and achieve marvelous things. They made it a competition
between them to see who could gain the most in strength or
size or just lose the most weight. They came in the gym
aching to get started busting a gut with their partner! The
only training partner I enjoyed for very long and made great
gains with was the first Ms. America, Laura Combs.
Richard and Laura Combes, the first Ms. America,
training at Gold's Gym.
Diane adds:
5. Constantly set new goals. How many times
have you seen someone lose a large amount of weight, only to
regain it all plus a few added pounds. What happened? Once the
target was hit, the celebration began. If new goals were
already in place, the celebratory meal would be just
that...one meal. Then the successful transformation artist
would be right back on track with a keen focus on the next
goal. Whether it's the next contest, a photo shoot, looking
great at your 25th reunion and children's weddings or just
simply getting into a certain pair of jeans, set a goal, go
after it and set another before the process is over.
Sara Altmyer from
Alabama provides us with an exceptional example of ongoing
goal setting. At 42 years of age, Sara is a busy woman. She is
married, a second grade teacher and has two young daughters.
Even with a very busy and hectic schedule, Sara manages not
only to get in her workouts, but she consistently improves her
physique. "The physical benefits are secondary to the mental
ones.
The confidence I've gained through weight-training is
incredible. And - I don't spend an inordinate amount of time
on working out, either. It fits into my busy lifestyle!" Sara
stays on track with her nutrition with just a bit of planning,
using
EAS meal replacement shakes to provide a good source of
protein when her teaching schedule won't allow time for a
traditional meal.
Sara Altmyer at 42 years of age shows off her
Legendary Physique!
Two years ago, Sara set upon her journey towards fitness
using the Body for Life program. Rather than be content with
the twelve week transformation, Sara set a new goal and she
embarked on another 12 week transformation program. After 24
weeks, Sara decided to enter her third Body for Life program.
Now, looking far younger than her forties and the energy to
take care of her family and students, Sara finds time to
spread the word of fitness.
6. Keep a journal that tracks your workouts and
daily nutritional intake. You'll be pumped up during
your workouts when you know exactly how much you lifted
during your last workout. Set a goal to increase the weight
or the number of reps. Your focus and intensity will
increase as you push to break through barriers. Nutritional
journals help with cheating. Do you really want to write
down that you were eating Twizzlers?
NOTE from Richard: Frank Zane was the king of journal
keepers. In fact, I would bet a box of
EAS Chocolate Dipped Strawberry bars that Frank has a
record of almost every set and rep he ever did!
7. Read motivational material. Watch
videos that are inspiring. Magazines, websites and books
provide a wealth of motivational material. Get fired up and
get moving! Here are a few recommendations: Mind and Muscle
by Blair Whitmarsh, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, The
Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding, which should be
included in every lifter's personal library. From lifting
tips to an incredible collection of photos from the early
days of bodybuilding this book will provide motivation.
