Results tell us everything we need to know. We can factor in all the altercations we want but in the end its the results that talk. What is a result? Result can be defined as the consequence of action. Action is the process of ‘doing’ something to achieve an aim, the result being the consequence of that said action. This is exactly why your training needs to be results driven.
The result can be anything. From busting through one repetition maximums (1RM’s) all the way through to the look your trying to achieve. The result has to be there. If that result isn’t where you want it to be, then you have to change it. How many people are guilty of doing the same thing in the gym? The same workout, day in day out bouncing from the bench press to the cable machine in hopes of adding that lean mass. Or swanning around on the crosstrainer for the same 40 minute period hopelessly trying to shed that fat. This would literally drive me insane. Then we also have the opposite end of the scale. Going into the gym, this is more applicable to the box types, and having your workout out so varied, completely devoid of any attempt of periodization in the pursuit of strength.
This isn’t to say you must take it seriously, not smile and storm out of that gym in a fit of rage because you only benched 60kg when you were hoping for 65kg. Hell no. Enjoy the training, its why we do it in the first place but we are training for a goal. A result. Form follows function and beauty often follows strength. Look at the body on any elite level athlete, why do they look so good? Because they’re training for a result, looking good while doing it is just a byproduct.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. Don’t lose your mind. If your struggling for performance based goals try these simple but effective ones out and try to build on them.
Back Squat : 3 Rep Max
Bench Press : 3 Rep Max
Deadlift : 3 Rep Max
3,000m Best Effort Row