That Shiny New Toy

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​Remember when you were a kid, and you received that new toy. It may have been a car or a doll. Whatever it was, you had to have it. You’d beg your parents over and over again for it. When that new toy got into your hands everything else become obsolete. Your other toys would now begin to occupy a corner by themselves in the room. Collecting dust.


Then all of a sudden, a new toy or doll is released. This is the one you just have to have now. It’s the newest and latest trend. Everybody is getting it and you have to get your hands on it too. So what do you do? Beg your parents over and over again for that shiny new toy. 


And you may get your wish. You get this new toy and now that other new toy you had to have becomes that old toy that joins its friends in the corner of the room. 


Sometimes when it comes to working out, we just have to be a part of the newest and latest workout trend. We have to be included in it as to not be left out. Or we have to change the workout program that’s been working for us because we want something different or want that new “toy”. 


When it comes to working out, sometimes doing the same thing over and over again is best for you. Now, before you start groaning, here’s what I mean. 


It’s called periodization. It’s a planned approach to training that involves progression of a training program during a specific time period. This doesn’t mean that you’re going to be doing the same program, the same few exercises for the rest of your life. However, for whatever your goals are, you need to set a series of exercises that you do over a period of time that challenge your body. 


You’ll perform these sets of exercises over a designated timeframe to see your progress. You should be able to add weight to the exercises every week, slow down the tempo, or add a set. There should be some sort of improvement every week. That’ll measure your success. That’ll make sure you’re on the right track. 


How else are you going to measure your progress?


​And when that program is complete, you’ll move on to that new shiny program you want for the next phase of your workout goals. But don’t be so quick to rush into those new shiny workouts. Make sure you’re doing your body a favor by allowing it the chance to progress over time with the same program. Don’t jump from program to program unless you have a plan in place that’ll aid you in reaching your goals. The new toy can wait.


Be Greater!

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