How To Get Good

Everybody is always looking for 'magic' workout programs.

I hate to break it to you, but there is no such thing as 'magic'. (Heck, they even have those shows on TV to show you how guys like Criss Angel and David Copperfield pull off their 'tricks'.)

Now, this isn't to say that you don't need awesome workout plans - esp for your MMA training. But an awesome workout isn't all you need.

To become a great MMAist (or, to really achieve any of your fitness goals), you need three things:

-hard work

-consistency

-a kick-ass workout plan.

(Yeah, I know I talked about this not all that ago in this post. Get over it - I'm talking about it again.)

I was fortunate enough to spend a couple days this week with my good buddy, Andy. Andy runs his own sports performance gym in Thomasville, NC.

By the way, if you're ever in North Carolina around Asheboro, High Point, Greensboro, or the surrounding area, you OWE it to yourself to contact Andy about coming by for a workout...trust me when I say you won't regret it. In fact, tell him Wiggy sent you... ;-)

ANYWAY....

While up there at Andy's gym, I was able to meet one of his 'superstars' (as he puts it) - a kid named Zach.

Now, Zach has been training with Andy for roughly two years. Andy has put him through a ton of TOUGH training sessions over those two years, and spent a bunch of time training Zach on proper technique, training, recovery, etc.

Zach has been there every step of the way, busting his tail, and absorbing everything Andy has been trying to teach him....like a brand new sponge soaking up water.

Zach has been a true example of what can be done when you work hard, are consistent, and have a great workout program.

Zach is a sophomore in high school - only 16 years old. At roughly 6'1", he's roughly 175 lbs. - and solid as a freakin' rock. Because his limbs are fairly long, his upper body stats aren't necessarily anything to write home about. He benches 205-215 (which is still more than his bodyweight), and the other day when I was up there, he cranked out 3 sets of chins, averaging 8-12/set. Again, not too shabby, but not earth shattering.

But then you get to his lower body, his power, and his jumping ability. Oh. My.

(Remember - this kid is only 16, a sophomore in high school, and only weighs about 175 or so.)

He squats 455 (and that's ass to grass type squats). He deadlifts 450+. The kid has power cleaned 245...and that was at the end of a workout....and after having done heavy lower body training at school earlier that day.

He also jumps up higher than most people have a right to. Here is a video of him jumping up onto a 42-inch box...while wearing a 40 lbs. weighted vest:



Now as impressive as all this might be, consider this - at the risk of repeating myself, the kid is only 16! What's he gonna be like when his body really starts to mature when he graduates at 18, or even into his early 20s? What if he gains another 20-30 lbs.? What kind of numbers will he moving then? Barring injury or the like, the sky seems to be the limit for this kid.

It should also be noted that Zach is a good student, going to school full-time, plays sports (he is a virtual lock to 'start' as a running back on his high school's football team next year), and works a part-time job. It's not like all this kid does is train.

As impressive as all this is, though, Zach isn't really anything special.

Zach and I chatted some the other day, and he started to tell me how what he's been able to accomplish has been because of his training with my buddy, Andy.

I told him he was only part-right.

"There are three things you need to get strong, fast, powerful, in shape, and all that - you need consistency, hard work, and a great program.

Any two without the other won't get you where you need to go.

Working hard on a great program won't do you any good if you just show up every now and again. (You think the Orioles would've even let Cal Ripken have the chance to start over 2600 games in a row had he not worked his tail off day in, and day out?)

You can have the best program in the world, and do it every single day, but if you half-ass it, all you're getting better at is wasting your time.

And you can consistently work your tail off, but if you have no idea what you're doing, and are just working in circles because your program sucks, well, you'll get a little better (simply because you're putting in some work), but you won't be getting the best bang for your buck with all that effort.

It takes all three."

And it does.

Are you putting in all three? Hard work, consistency, and a kickass program?

If not, you might wanna re-think what you're doing.

Train Hard, Rest Hard, Play Hard-
Matt "Wiggy" Wiggins
http://www.workingclassfitness.com

PS - re that kickass workout program...not everybody knows enough to put together their own program. And that sucks...mainly because they'll be like that 3rd scenario I just posted...working their butt off for minimal rewards.

If this is you, head to http://tinyurl.com/d67noo and get some kickass workout programs that will make sure your consistent, hard work doesn't go to waste.