More is most definitely not always better. I realized this the other day when I was asphyxiating myself in my own collection of crap. Whether we know it or not, we are now not only living in a world of excess, but we are living in a world that actually praises it. Many of us desire to live the life of those who seem to have it all. Whether it be wealth, fame, attractiveness, or a combination of all three. In our hearts and in our affections, we tend to praise those who live with excess.

Unfortunately when it comes to excessiveness, the fitness industry is full of it. Whether it be men wanting bigger biceps or women wanting bigger butts, the desire to have more of what we currently have (or don’t have) remains at an all time high. Look, I’ve always been one to say that if vanity and aesthetics are your main reasons for going to the gym and following a clean diet, then so be it. As long as your goal puts you on the path to living an active and healthy lifestyle, then you’re not harming anyone, especially yourself. However where I take issue with these particular goals, is that they are only short term. I don’t care how hard you train, your butt is not going to look the same at 80 as it did when you were 20. Your biceps will shrink and shrivel a bit as you become older. This is part of the aging process and one that I feel needs to be accepted more gracefully now then ever before.

The Mindless Meathead

I know what you’re thinking – Who am I to say that exercising daily and following a healthy diet cannot be accomplished for the sole purpose of looks alone? I mean I do compete in bodybuilding competitions where I get judged purely on my physique. I don’t get judged by how hard I train, I don’t get praised for how disciplined I am with my diet, and I don’t get rewarded for how good my overall health might be. I get judged, criticized and sometimes even ridiculed, by how much muscle I have, how much body fat I don’t have, and how aesthetically pleasing my physique is to a bunch of strangers that I don’t even know. And you know what? It drives me insane at times!

Fit For Life

As many of my clients already know, I actually don’t even enjoy competing on the stage anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I love bodybuilding and I love the discipline and dedication it takes to try and develop a God-like physique. I enjoy the so-called suffering caused by the low carbs, the endless hours of cardio, and the sleepless nights from being in a constant calorically depleted state. I also enjoy knowing that I am able to accomplish something that requires me to have complete and utter control of what I put into my body and have the mindset needed to not give into life’s little short term gratifications such as sweets, alcohol, fried foods and essentially anything that distracts me from achieving my ultimate goal.

But what happens when the competition is over? Do I still need to be as strict with my diet and consistent with my training? Ofcourse not! I’m not a machine! My body does need a break every so often. But this break doesn’t mean that all hell needs to breaks loose and I let my body go to shit. It just means that I take the foot off the gas and put myself on cruise control for a little bit.

Why? Because I’ve always believed in the concept of training for life, not just for a particular event or show. For this reason I’m able to remain relatively lean all year round, but more importantly, I’m also able to remain healthy and fit all year round as well.

The Quick Fix

I’ve been working in the fitness industry for close to two decades now. And during this time, thanks to the prevalence of the Internet and Social media, I’ve seen this industry evolve into something built around empty promises, fabrications and lies. Everyone who is anyone that has developed a decent looking physique through diet and exercise, posts videos of themselves online working out in the gym, and has built up a large following of viewers, can now claim to be fitness experts. And some of them are. But to use their platforms as marketing tools to sell and promote quick muscle gaining programs and weight loss plans to people who are uneducated on diet, nutrition and training, is not only dishonest, but it’s also unethical. In my experience, when it comes to transforming one’s physique, there is no such thing as a quick fix. And if it sounds like bullshit, and it seems like bullshit, then guess what? It’s most likely just a bunch of bullshit!

I’ve never promised a single one of my clients that they will lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. I’ve never guaranteed a single one of my clients that competes on stage, that they will win their competition. I’ve never given my word to someone about anything unless I myself was 100% certain of the final outcome. I’ve also never set limitations on my clients for what they can and cannot achieve in life. I personally believe that anyone can achieve anything that they want to achieve as long as they are willing to work hard for it. And not everyone wants to work hard for it. Some people are okay with just working on bettering themselves each and everyday. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Just don’t fall victim to some of these sleazy “coaches” and “trainers” that make promises and guarantees that we both know they cannot realistically back up.

Take Home Message

Short term goals are important. Long Term goals are important. Sustainable Goals are what’s most important.

Quick Fixes may exist, but they rarely if ever last long.

Admire success. But don’t praise excess. Our society is longing for people who can tell the difference.

Yours in Good Health,

Nick Cosgrove
Forever Fit Performance