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Old 08-13-2008, 09:36 AM
Andrew.cook Andrew.cook is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Lancaster, Ohio
Posts: 353
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In regards to supplements:

Imagine your total potential to build strength and muscle as a ratio. The best you can ever be with all things being ideal would equal 100%. The amount of rest you get would make up something like 30% of that total, nutrition being another 30%, how you exercise being 20%, attitude being 10%, factors beyond your control (stress, allergies, injury) making up 7% and last you would have supplements making up 3%. All totalling 100%

Now, you could look at that and see that the most difference can be made simply by looking at how you rest and eat. These two things perfected would get you better than half way to your peak performance regardless of anything else. I would say that your typical American is drawing maybe a third of the total benefit from these areas. Fast food (referring to any food that is ready made for easy consumption, chips, cans of ravioli, whatever, in addition to the burgers and fries) and long nights watching TV really are holding you back more than you realize.

Notice I didn't simply call your physical output "lifting" because there is more there than just pumping some iron. True performance in any sport will require cardio endurance, flexibility and strength. If any of these are neglected then you are simply holding yourself back no matter if your sport is power walking or power lifting. To what level cardio, flexibility and strength are developed will be dictated by the sport, but never think that you can neglect any of the area and reach your full potential.

Attitude, or simply your undying belief that you CAN (or can not) accomplish something (likewise that something is, or is not "fun") makes a huge difference. Attitude can often undo the benefits of sleep or exercise or nutrition. If you eat healthy and hate it... how effective is your diet when you are tempted to slip at every turn? If you believe that you are missing out on all the fun in the world by going to bed at 10pm, how likely are you to get enough sleep? If you hate a lift, then how likely are you to give it your all? See the point?

Now, factors you can not control play in as well. Injuries will come, work schedules will not mesh with your peak hormone release and sometimes you will be distracted by bigger things in life... it happens to all of us, and it can impede our progress. Or, to the contrary, we can simplify our lives, stay away from crazy people, avoid potentially harmful scenarios (don't choose to jump off of the garage roof onto the questionably solid trampoline in an effort to reach the pool).

Lastly, you have your supplements. 3%. Wow, there may be some nominal nutrient or chemical loading that might help us along, but assuming it is a major factor in your development as an athlete is simply hog wash. As such, any dollar spent on supplements is a dollar better invested on real nutrition, rest or exercise.

The good news is that the biggest changes you can make are usually the most obvious and "easy" to fix (with the exception of attitude). Need more sleep? Sleep more. Bam, easy and obvious! Need to clean up your diet? Even if you were without a wit in your head, I'm certain that you could deduct that fruit is better than fruit rollups.
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