I know everybody wants to here about fun stuff like form, reps, or maybe the best supplements, but recently a more important factor in the success of athletes has come to my attention. I was recently lifting with some pros and I had a flashback to younger days. I remember in high school I used to lift like a maniac. I’d do high reps at ridiculous weights and I saw constant results. Somewhere along the way I lost that intensity. My workouts became boring and repetitious, but worst of all improvement went away.

So, what do we do when we get bored and stop seeing results? Get Intense. Change your workout so you aim for crazy reps at increasing weights and lift it like a mad man. Push for more even when you don’t think you can and you will get results. I’m not saying be stupid. Use good form and try not to scare the old ladies, but don’t lift like one either. You’ll know you’re doing it right because you’ll feel like a monster after every set.

You should know what I’m saying by now. I know everybody who goes to the gym sees the same people come in and do their thing year in and year out and never change appearance or achieve a single goal. This is quite simply from a lack of goal setting resolve. They come in and workout in a mediocre manner. Unfortunately the body needs more than just mediocrity to grow. When you workout, do so with the intention of making your muscles get stronger. Without this intensity you will be forever entombed in the twilight zone of lifting or running or whatever sport you do. Always try to be the best cause there’s no sense aiming for second place.