Article: Who Are You Comparing Yourself To?

Who Are You Comparing Yourself To?

one of the first things you'll notice when you start going to the gym is that you're crammed in beside guys of all different shapes and sizes.

this can be pretty demoralizing and downright intimidating when you're the beginner and the guy next to you is a jacked hulk. it's always hard to start something new and even harder still when it's something physical: something that challenges your sense of manhood.

the truth is that in no other sport will you find yourself training seriously next to professional athletes or even high level ones. the worst thing you can do is start to compare yourself to them. imagine how you'd feel driving golf balls at the range next to tiger woods? you'd suck! you simply can not compare yourself to these people.

then why do it at the gym? you wouldn't do it with guitar. you wouldn't do it with marathon running, nor football, nor tennis nor baseball.

the point i'm trying to make is that if you are serious about taking up weight training and getting in shape, then you need to get your head straight before you enter the gym.

this takes some serious planning and goal setting on your part. since you can only measure progress against yourself, you will need to know what you are working towards to have any measure of success.

furthermore, don't be shy around the guys who have obviously been doing this for years. better yet, get their advice. guys like to share information on something they're good at. it makes us feel useful.

simply say: "hey, can you give me some tips on correct ......... technique? you seem to know what you're doing and i could use some advice."

in my experience people are typically friendly and like to talk about their passion, interest and sport.

to wrap up, know what you're training for and compare you to you. worrying about the pros will only get you down.

so tell me: what are you training for?