Social media has a huge impact on our perspective of our own progress. We look at highlight reels of people executing advanced skills, putting up big numbers on the main strength lifts, and competing in races or competitions setting record times. It makes us think that we may never reach that point or that our slow progress is an indication of our inability to reach such high levels; then, we start to compare: “it is taking me forever to do just one pull-up, I will never reach their level of 15 pull-ups.”
We all have strengths and weaknesses. There are times when we achieve skills or fitness goals with ease, while other instances it takes a lot of time, consistency, and effort…sometimes more than the average person. I understand that it can be extremely frustrating when it is taking you forever to achieve your goal, but you are in good company. I want to share some personal experiences from the Telos Coaches. I asked them “what things have you struggled with in the gym that may have taken longer than you would have wanted (or anticipated), or that may have taken more effort?”
Alex: “Anything with an overhead press. I’ve separated my right shoulder several times in the past which created impingement issues. Relearning that movement pattern took a lot of time and hard work, and is still a weak point for me.”
Day: “There’s a lot, but one of the biggest things is my squat number/lower body strength. It is severely lagging and it’s taking me a lot longer than most to bring that number up; it’s getting up there after remaining patient, technique fixes, good programming, and being consistent.”
Karen: “Double Unders! I was SO horrible at those for a very long time (Shaun can verify this!). I also have a goal of 2x bodyweight deadlift that is CLOSE, but I have been working towards for the past year or so. I haven’t gotten there yet. 10 strict pull-ups was another goal I had to work on for a very long time too.”
Matt: “The KB snatch for me took awhile to get right and figure out the timing. Also, trying to bring my bench up the last year or so!”
Robert: “Deadlift deadlift deadlift. As most of you know, the deadlift has been my Goliath for almost two years. So I had both Shaun and Abby look and critique my form, specifically the setup. After that, I attacked the lift. I deadlifted twice a week for about 6 months, working on nailing each aspect of it. I stayed injury free, got the rest I needed, ate well, and I nearly increased my max at the meet by 40lbs. I’ve been so happy with the process, and it has driven me to keep working on it and to keep growing in it!”
Shaun: “The Olympic lifts in general because there are periods of improvement followed by periods of stalling. I had to wave my lifts down many times to iron out technical problems.”
Do you have a goal and need some help setting up the systems to be successful longterm? Come meet with us at Telos. We can help.