“Just Try My Advice Before You Ask Me Something Else”

Chuck Says: "Just Try It First!"

Many times, I’ll get someone who reads a piece of advice I’ve given out, or talked with them about, and immediately instead of going and trying the advice — they want to ask if they could do something else!

For instance, I’ve published at least 3 free muscle building workouts and at least as many fat burning workouts for the readers of this blog.

But you know what I still get?

People emailing me and asking “Well, what if I … ?”

NO! Just Do TRY IT FIRST!

Why mess with the program? Why ask for a change? Why worry so much about it?

Or here is an even better idea:

Take a picture of yourself to start in your undies. Do the program you’re thinking of for at least 4-6 weeks. Take an after picture, record how much progress you’ve made in strength (how many pounds you’re lifting).

Then do my program for 4-6 weeks … take another “after” picture … record your poundages again.

And you’ll know … beyond a shadow of a doubt … the answer to your questions.

“But I Only Wanna Change It A Little …”

People always want to substitute the exercises they like … or the ones that are easier for them … instead of just doing the exercises they NEED to do.

They always want to change the plan “just a little”.

Look at this post on Tim Ferriss’ blog where Pavel Tstatsouline posted a killer powerlifting workout (which I am using, right now, without changes).

Out of the 351 comments, look at how many times Pavel had to correct people who wanted to change the program:

“Robert, I would not replace DLs with C&Js. The Olympic lifts require different loading patterns …”

“Chris, the dumbbell press will not cut it …”

“Don’t add or subtract any exercises; Faleev’s is a system, not just a collection of exercises, sets, and reps. …”

“Tom, usually I am opposed to any changes in a tested training plan until the person has been on it for months and has some data to analyze. …”

Etc …

Where Does This Attitude Come From?

I have a couple ideas …

1. Fear – you’re afraid of starting, so you’re looking for excuses to put it off …
2. Lazy – you wanna make the program easier?
3. Ego – you wanna do the exercises you’re good at, and not look like a fool? (ex: substituting bench press for overhead press all the time)

That’s really all I could come up with

I love helping people out and sharing my knowledge … but … I say at least TRY what the people who are giving you advice (if it’s good advice) have to say before asking them to totally change it and switch it around, etc.

Do Not Stop. Do Not Pass Go. Just Give It a Shot First!

So the next time you look at a fitness program and you think “yea, I’m gonna give that a shot …”

Don’t immediately make an excuse why you can’t do it … don’t look for ways to make it easier … don’t worry about how you’re not going to look “cool” at the gym lifting lighter weights than normal with some of the exercises … just go ahead and do it, and you’ll see yourself improve.