Just Do It...

When Dan Wiedan coined the phrase Just Do It 23 years ago, he was probably under intense deadline pressure and wasn't thinking it would apply to almost every facet of life. When you hear the phrase, you immediately think of everything athletic, successful, Jordan, Nike branded event you have ever experienced. It has become much more than just a catch phrase, or company slogan, it's become a culture. That's exactly what OutFit is, a culture. A culture of pushing your physical limits, smartly and effectively to reach your goals.

Being it is January, and Matt touched upon this in his latest workout post, most of the dedicated fitness individuals lose their motivation to trek through the snow and get into the gym for a workout because it's congested with lululemon wearing, treadmill/elliptical motoring, sleeveless shirt wearing, cellphone sexting wannabes. (Unless those wannabes are actually women who are always there and distracting you because those lululemon pants seem to fit perfectly everywhere then continue on.) Seriously though, I know its extremely tough to stay motivated when those around you will drop out or fictitiously reach their goals within the next couple of weeks. But I'm here to tell you, Just Do It. You've already made the trek to the gym, you might as well improve your health by giving yourself one hell of a workout. I suffer from the same attitude this time of year and believe me, sometimes I go vocal on it. But when all is said and done, you know you're the one who is dedicated and has been busting their ass since September and didn't just decide to make a change for a healthier life. So that addresses motivation on getting to the gym. Now about what happens when you're there.

I've probably done this over 100 times, let a seed of doubt be planted into my mind that I'm too sore, too tired, mentally exhausted or whatever. Yes, all of these things happen. But really take a good look at your status and decide if you can't push through your workout for these reasons or for another one, you're too lazy. Out of those 100 times that this seed has been planted in my head, I'd say 98 of those times was laziness. At OutFit we are always talking about efficiency, using your time as best as possible. By the time you finally come around in your workout and decide to push on, you've already wasted 10 minutes. My advice when you step into a gym, is already have a plan going forward. Saying it's an "upper day" or "chest day" isn't enough. Know what you're going to do, warm up, exercises, reps, sets the whole thing and be the guy in the gym who brings a note book, sheet of paper or whatever helps you record your progress. And no, bringing your Blackberry or iPhone to record your workout does not count. I don't give a fuck if there's an app for that. At the end of the day, your workout is only helping one person, you. (Unless you're trying to get the attention of the guy or girl on the elliptical, in that case you're there for the wrong reasons. Go to the bar instead.) Make the most of your time in the gym. Plain and simple. Push through those moments of doubt and finish.

Last piece, safety. If you're legitimately feeling like a truck has run over you or that your body temperature would allow you to roast prime rib then do us all a favor and don't come in. There's no point in coming for a workout when your mind and body are not 100% prepared and ready to go. Workouts are supposed to make you feel good, not make you wish you had never been born. You have to be the judge. No one ever failed by under training (it just takes them longer to reach their goals) but people who over train will ultimately get injured and never reach their goals.

Just Do It,

Quan, OUT