Hi Friend,
Last time, we talked about the need to change your workouts every so often. We also showed why employing endless modifications to your training can become counterproductive.
This led us to a simple solution:
Be subtle. Mix things up, a little. (A small variation will often be all the change you need to continue gaining effectively.)
It's golden advice. Yet, you'd be shocked by how many trainees mindlessly switch their exercises and routines.
One week, they're squatting like a sane person - in the squat rack with a barbell slung over their shoulders - and the next week, they're balancing on a BOSU ball while doing Richard Simmons glitter squats!
OK. I'm joking, here. But it's amazing how many folks fall for the muscle confusion myth, where you're supposed to keep the body guessing.
For sure, SOME variety is important to your training, but the thing is, most people don't need as much as they believe they do.
System Swappers
For instance, too many people swap systems. One week someone is training with a basic 5x5 to build strength, then they're switching to a high-volume program of 10x10 in their quest to add beef onto their biceps.
Sound familiar?
Yet here's the thing… there is NEVER any shortage of bright, shiny objects to distract our attention.
But don't go thinking "shiny object syndrome" is only for beginners. Oh, no. Many experienced lifters spend their entire training lives constantly program hopping. The result? They never master any one movement or exercise, but get hoodwinked into believing they require endless variety.
And that's the key, here.
You must remain with an exercise - or program - long enough for your body to adapt.
This means, you must allow your central nervous system the necessary time to comply with any given movement.
Resist the temptation to rush this. Do not hurry, but savour the process of getting stronger and making steady progress.
So, to quickly recap, here are 3 reasons to fear glitter squats - and any other program changes you might be tempted to make:
1. Endlessly swapping systems is never the answer. You will make better gains in the long run if you grow more comfortable with a particular exercise or program.
2. Most lifters don't need as much variety as they think they do. Do the right things in your training, then it's unlikely you will ever need to change your program beyond some simple, small changes.
3. Brief and basic lifting is what matters most, and not BOSU ball glitter squats! ;-)
Until next time,
Squat for Glory!
Lee
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