I often jokingly refer to myself as a scientist.  Though, instead of wearing a white lab coat, I wear a Coughlin Fitness & Results T-Shirt. 

Instead carrying beakers and graduated cylinders, I carry elastic bands and free weights. 

Instead of writing down complicated scientific formulas, I document sets, reps and weight resistance.

Now, before you laugh...understand that strength training IS a science and if you don't think it is - you're missing the boat. 

Many people often workout at their local gym and go through the same strength routine over and over and over. 

While there is health benefits associated with this for sure, there are absolutely NO benefits whatsoever in seeing changes in appearance or feeling changes in strength levels. 

And if you ask me, that's what strength training, is all about...transforming your physical appearance and strength by challenging yourself with resistance programs that constantly keep your body from adapting.

The keywords here are "keep your body from adapting."

I think the most important concept to realize is this - never ASSUME that your body ISN'T going to adapt to a program you put it through. 

Your body is very intelligent.  It is the same body that has evolved through thousands and thousands of years of evolution.  Do you honestly think it's gonna change if...

1. You're working your muscles at 40-50% of their maximum capabilities
2. You never document your exercises, sets, reps and resistance.
3. You work out with limiting machines that only isolate one muscle at a time.
4. You repeat the same strength training routine again and again.

Of course not.

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Why?

Because your body has adapted to this type of training ages ago.  To put it bluntly, if your goal is to increase muscle, decrease body fat, become stronger...well, you're wasting your time.

Again, strength training is a science.  Everything and I mean e-v-e-r-y thing you do matters.

When I train clients I always change their routine every 3 workouts.  And within those 3 workouts I always document everything they do and make sure they progress a little or in many cases, a lot more.  I always ask questions to make sure they felt some type of change or difference with each workout.  I never ever assume anything. 

And guess what?

My clients are losing weight, dropping body fat like no tomorrow and they're stronger than they've ever been in years.

Now, if you're saying.  "Well, that's great Jim, but I CAN'T afford a personal trainer right now and I don't know diddly about strength training."

Well, if this is the case, I've got great news! 

I will soon be coming out with a multiple DVD course that will take you by the hand, step-by-step on how to effectively strength train from the comfort and privacy of your own home. 

This will be a comprehensive program folks.  And it will be designed strictly for beginners, so, I promise there will be no confusing training jargon or strength training exercises you won't be able to do.  Sure, there'll be some hard ones, but the vast majority will be for the complete novice.

Anyway, I'll be sure to keep you posted when the program comes out.

Until then, make sure you keep your strength training workouts progressive, and varied and I'm 100% positive you'll see and feel a difference.

Yours in Total Fitness & Maximum Success,

Jim Coughlin