Click to read about The Vision and The Process.
As we continue to look at powerlifting (or heck, any "fitness journey") through the eyes of Chip and Joanna Gaines, it's easy to see the analogy, but it's tough to actually put it into practice.
If you haven't already, go back and read Part 1 and 2 to know what I'm talking about. But even if you're too lazy to go back and read, hang with me.
What's the most common thing you hear from people wanting to _____________ (insert goal of getting stronger, losing fat, being more athletic)?
How long til I see results?
We want to know how long it's going to take us. And even when their coach or training partner gives them the honest truth, they still don't want to believe it. They want it NOW.
They see where they want to go, and they want to be there tomorrow. The REVEAL, that fun little clip at the end of the Fixer Upper show is so fun and exciting! We see the happy folks smiling about their new renovated home, the modern decor and the rooms and spaces that were created from an old dump.
It's done!! They did it!! Renovation complete!!
Except that if you've ever owned a home (or lived in one), you know that it is a never-ending process. Even the cute little farmhouse style bungalow so carefully created by The Gaines' still needs to be maintained, upkept and in the future will still need repairs!!
I fully realize I'm telling you all something you don't want to hear. Most people want you to say they can get there in 30 days and stay there forever if they just do XYZ. Your body is constantly changing though.
* The amount of muscle mass you have now will be different (more or less) in a few years.
* Your metabolism will be different (more or less) in a few years.
* Your body composition will be different (more or less) in a few years.
* Your hormone profile will be different in a few years.
The way you're training and eating and sleeping now will dictate all of those things above. If you stay consistent, most likely those things will be improved. If you're hit and miss, who knows. If you take 6 months off, yep, that will affect everything as well.
And because your body responds and adapts over time, you need to be constantly changing (renovating). No, no, it doesn't mean do 1 program for a month, then switch to another, then another and play it off as "muscle confusion training."
It means that when you implement your training and nutrition over the long haul, you'll begin to notice some changes. Maybe you even reach that REVEAL point (your final goal). And because your body has changed and adapted, you'll need to adjust things again. As your body fat levels decreased, your body's needs changed. If your muscle mass increased, your body's needs changed.
See that? This isn't meant to be discouraging. Not in the least!! It's meant to open your eyes to see that even when you think you've gotten to where you wanted to be, things are different. And by then, maybe you have a new VISION.
The PROCESS really is where the magic happens. It's the joy of the journey. As much as people have asked me what my best lifts were, much of the conversation involves around, "How did you get there?"
That's the PROCESS. Enjoy it.
