“I Work Out Because I Want to Look Like…”

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.” 

When it comes to working towards the physique of your dreams, there are three main factors that play a role. Genetics, Diet, and Exercise. Since we can’t really choose our genetic makeup (yet….) and diets and nutrition can get pretty complex, lets talk exercise.

“I work out because I want to look like (insert dreamy actor/actress/athlete/etc.)” – Well, I’ve got news for you…you will never look exactly like them, because you are you, not them. This being said, you CAN work towards the same “body type” as them, if you do things right. Who knows, you might even look better!

I want to look like a pro football player…

Lots of guys say some form of the following quote, “I don’t wanna get as big as a bodybuilder, I just want to have that athletic look”.

Then they start training like a bodybuilder (high volume, longer rest periods) along with some steady state cardio mixed in to “burn fat”. Do pro football players train like this? No. If you want to look more like a football player, you need to train like a football player. Focusing on some heavy compound moves, a lot of “pre-hab” type moves, unilateral work, dynamic/explosive lifting, and high anaerobic type “cardio” work. Football players don’t spend their training running 5 miles everyday at a 10 minute mile pace. That kind of training doesn’t translate to the field.  They run sprints, do resistance cardio work such as sled pushes/drags, jump work, and anything else that is high intensity, short duration.

I want to look like fitness model…

Lots of women will say some form of the following quote, “I just want to lose some of this fat and tone up, but not get bulky…” Then they will jump on a treadmill for 30 minutes, run some miles outside, do some abs, and go to yoga. These are all fantastic ways to exercise, and they all have great benefits. However, if this is all you do, you won’t get the results you expect.

First, there is really no such thing as “toning up”. There is gaining muscle, maintaining muscle, or losing muscle. Our real goal should be to gain muscle. I will preach it until im blue in the face, YOU WON’T BULK UP. See the following: Why Women Should Lift Weights. If we want the body of a fitness model, or maybe an olympic athlete (sprinter, jumper, vaulter, etc.) we need to train like one! If all we continue to just focus on cardio and distance running, you will get the body of a distance runner (granted the diet is in check as well).

There is nothing wrong with this body type, if that’s what your goal is. If you want the body of a fitness model, or an olympic sprinter, you need to train like one! Lifting weights, heavier/dynamic lower body lifts, high intensity interval style cardio. Even just starting with 2 to 3 days a week of lifting will make a difference.

Whether you want to look like a pro athlete, fitness model, bodybuilder, marathoner, or couch potato it all comes down to training like one. Look up their workout routines, hire a personal trainer, talk to a strength coach, educate yourself. Set some goals, track your progress, put in the work, and watch your body transform! Always remember…

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.”