I've been working in the fitness industry for a very long time. During this time I've seen many people come and go. Whether it be gym members, clients or even other trainers, this is an industry with a revolving door, some people make it, and some people don't. The people who usually achieve success with anything in life have done so by being both consistent and dedicated to accomplishing whatever goals they set out to achieve. It's no secret that if you want something bad enough then you have to work hard for it. And it should go without saying that if do want something bad enough, then you are willing to do anything it takes to achieve it. So why is it then, that most people who say they want to transform their lives for the better through diet and exercise, are never quite able to do it? Why is it then, that 4 out of 5 people quit their workout program or nutritional plan after only a few short weeks/months? And why is it then, okay for these people to accept defeat and return to their unhealthy habits and adversed quality of life?

As someone who is heavily involved within the fitness industry I feel that it is my duty to practice what I preach when it comes to diet and exercise at least 90% of the time. My job is to help people improve their quality of life by teaching them how to become more active and fit. I don't think my clients would take me seriously if I came in hungover after a night of binge drinking with the boys or walking into the gym with a Venti White Chocolate Mocha with extra whip to start my day. And I wouldn't expect them to trust my knowledge and expertise when it comes to building muscle and losing fat if I had a big beer belly or couldn't even demonstrate an exercises properly without breaking a sweat. Therefore when it comes to training hard and eating right for my own internal health, physical appearance and overall wellbeing - You're damn right I take that shit seriously!

I'm just going to say it - Getting old sucks! The older I get the harder things seem to become. I remember there once was a time when I could train 12-15 days in a row before needing to take a day off to rest my aching body. Now I can barely train 3 days in a row before I need to take a break from my workouts. When I was younger I could easily function off 2-3 hours of sleep. Currently I need at least 5 or I'm completely brain dead throughout the entire day. A few years ago I could sleep through the entire night with only having to wake up once or twice to use the washroom. These days it seems as if I spend more time on the toilet then I do in my bed sleeping (mind you, this could be due to the copious amounts of oatmeal I consume in a single day). And the one thing that I miss most about my youthful years on this planet, is that when I was younger I could eat and drink whatever I please and not have it effect my waistline in a negative way. Nowadays if I even look at a simple carb I put on 5lbs! Yes, getting old can be difficult for many. No matter how graciously we try to age, the fact remains that things may not work as well or we may not move as fast as we once use to.

Last week I discussed the importance of pre-workout nutrition and provided a few tips on how to design your own perfect pre-workout meal. Hopefully you were able to apply a few of my suggestions to your nutritional plan. As I mentioned in my previous blog - your pre-workout meal is just as important as the workout itself. But what about your post-workout meal? Is that just as important as well?