The last St. Louis Cardinals game I went to, we had really great seats right next to the dugout…
When I tell you these dudes are huge, I am very much understating it.
A few times I’ve seen them at the bars after games, and they stick out like sore thumbs.
So naturally, I got on the subject of PEDs with my buddy sitting next to me.
And the debate always lands on one question, “Would you have taken steroids to make it to the major leagues?”
I’d like to take the high road, but if I’m being honest…if it meant making millions of dollars playing a game, then I’d probably have a Barry Bonds-shaped head right now.
Now, as a “wise” man in my 40s, I wouldn’t know where to get steroids, but I have learned legal ways to boost our workouts…STARTING TODAY.
Booster 1: Set your priorities
In other words: Get excited about a goal! Want to be able to do 10 push-ups or pull-ups? Run 3 miles without stopping? Add 20 yards to your drive?
As adults, we often write off those goals as silly or frivolous. They aren’t! They can add a fun factor to your routine (and also a clear purpose).
Booster 2: Have a plan
Now that you have a priority, create an intentional workout program – and make sure to include the RIGHT kinds of exercises to hit your goals.
Example: if you want to be able to do 10 push-ups, running 3 days a week won’t help you with that. But building your strength (especially core and upper body) will.
Booster 3: Periodize for progress
This is related to creating a plan … it’s making sure your routine grows and changes as you get fitter.
Trainers call this “periodization.”
If you always do the same exercises the same way, eventually you’ll plateau.
Your workouts should challenge you just enough to move you closer to your goals, but not so much that you feel drained, overly sore, or get injured.
Booster 4: Eat to support your goal
First: Make sure you’re eating a high-quality diet, filled with nutrient-dense food in the right portions for your activity level.
Then: Come up with a strategy to refuel right after your workout. Aim for a carb-protein mini-meal to give your muscles a jumpstart on recovery.
Booster 5: Reset, Recover & Rest
Your workouts create stress in your body (good stress, but it’s still stress).
That’s why it’s so important to give yourself time to reset, recover, and rest afterward.
Not only will it help you get the best results from the workout you just did, but it helps your body get ready for your NEXT workout.
On a practical level, this means taking 24-48 hours between workouts to let your muscles repair and rebuild.
It also means getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night so your body can restore your immune function, balance your hormones, and remove waste.
So there you have it!
These five boosters will help you take your workouts to the NEXT LEVEL (how over-used is that phrase?) and help you hit your goals faster.
All without the pesky steroid side-effect of smaller family jewels.
STAY STRONG,
Jeff
PS – If it sounds like a daunting task to cobble together a golf-specific plan (and it is), we’ve got you covered in the 18STRONG Membership.
See you on the inside!