A special guest post by Ben Abruzzo, owner of CrossFit Albuquerque and a Whole9 Nutrition Partner
“We do not rise to the level of our expectations. We fall to the level of our training.” CrossFit Albuquerque
The Question comes in many forms. It is always different, yet universally the same. The question is also often not very important, because the person asking the question need not pose the question at all.
The question could be:
“Why am I not getting stronger?”
“Why am I not losing weight?”
“How come I can’t do 20 kipping pullups?”
“Why are my row times not getting faster?”
“What can I do to back squat 500lbs?”
“How can I snatch my body weight?”
You get the idea.
While these are not bad questions in and of themselves, they pose a problem when taken out of the context of our lives – and when the commitment level of the person asking the question is, in fact, questionable.
Context Matters
Let’s take context first. Our goals must be taken in context within the framework of our lives, and must be set in a reality that is attainable for us. If we work out three days a week, eat crappy food and make our living doing something other than lifting weights, then a 500lb back squat does not really fit within the context of our lives. If, on the other hand, we are a professional athlete, where being strong and powerful are our full-time jobs, then the goal and the question start to make more sense. (In another example, if your life allows you to only run twice a week, is it really feasible to be the fastest runner in your next race?)
The point here is that we all have goals and quests and things that we want, but it is only a real goal (and not merely a dream) if it fits within the context of your life. And if that basic fact doesn’t make you happy, then change an aspect of your life to make it fit.
Commitment
The more important issue is the issue of commitment. What I am talking about here is the issue of commitment to plan. To the everyday. To the things that are easily controllable. Because if you can’t commit to that, then super duper programming and nifty movements in the gym will not answer your question.
What this takes is a bit of self introspection. Are you really giving it your all in every training session? When the workout calls for full effort, are you well and truly spent? When we lift heavy, is it really heavy or are you just running through the motions? Are you fueling your body with clean, whole foods? Do you even know what foods you should be eating? Have you asked? If you have asked, did you give it an honest effort for an entire month? Do you get enough sleep every night? Do you recover as hard as you train? Do you try to mitigate stress or just add to your own stress? This is what is really important.
If taking a chalk bath in the middle of a workout is your secret way of resting and diminishing the pain, then you might want to address that instead of looking for reasons why you are a special butterfly and the workouts “aren’t working for you.” If you follow up your workout with a bowl of ice cream or a Starbucks muffin, then you might want to examine your diet as a reason for lack of fat loss. If you haven’t invested the time to gain enough strength to do one strict pull-up, then chasing dozens of kipping pull-ups misses the point entirely.
THE Question
Obviously, I sound like a jerk here – and I’m fine with that. I’m fine with it, because I care about you and your goals and I want you to succeed. That being said, I only care as much as you care. If you can’t fix the stuff that takes some commitment but little else, then I can’t go much further.
So, read this, then ask yourself THE question: “Am I doing enough with what I have?” If the answer is no, then get after it before you begin asking for more. If the answer is yes, then my door is open, and you can ask away.
Ben Abruzzo is a coach and co-owner of CrossFit Albuquerque, in Albuquerque, NM. Ben has spent most of his life in the mountains of New Mexico running, skiing and climbing. His focus and passion is the development of sport-specific performance.
For more information about CrossFit Albuquerque’s fitness, performance and nutrition offerings, email info@crossfitalbuquerque.com.
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Well said…I used to own a small women’s fitness center and would frequently have members complain that the program just absolutely didn’t work…as I watched them meander across the parking lot to Dunkin Donuts after their “workout”. I don’t think you sound like a jerk…just presenting people with a reality check…nice.
It’s about being completely responsible for your own circumstances and state; no one, no program, no coach can help you if you aren’t willing to take complete responsibility for yourself. When you own it for yourself, you will do the work, fill in educational gaps, seek out coaching (and follow it) and follow the plan you and your coach set for yourself. The goals will become realities – as long as those goals are ‘S.M.A.R.T.’ goals… or, as you said, are set within the context of the reality of your life.
If I find myself working harder than my clients (at their goals) – it’s time to ask them about their commitment.
It is always uncomfortable to confront a client/patient with those questions; but, if you don’t, you’re not really doing your job! Part of our job is to tell clients the truth, and sometimes the truth hurts. It is, in my opinion, more kind to say, “You know, I think you may need to take a break from your time with me, and come back when you have more time and energy to commit to this” than to keep training an ambivalent client and taking their money when you know they are not going to benefit! Sometimes people really do need to take a break and re-evaluate their priorities before they fully commit. Also, I like working with highly motivated patients, so if my schedule is full of people who are not 100% committed to getting well, then they are taking space away from the people who are my ideal clients! Those “less than ideal clients” will find someone else to work with – usually someone who will not tell them the hard facts while they happily take their money!
“I’m fine with it, because I care about you and your goals and I want you to succeed. That being said, I only care as much as you care. If you can’t fix the stuff that takes some commitment but little else, then I can’t go much further.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself, Ben. Thanks for putting your thoughts out there. I have this conversation with clients and fellow athletes at the gym all the time and the biggest piece that’s missing is always context and full commitment to the goal at hand.
“Am I doing enough with what I have?”
Love this! A great reminder for me.
“if your life allows you to only run twice a week, is it really feasible to be the fastest runner in your next race?”
Thanks for this post. My context has dramatically changed over the past six months. This was a great reality check–even if the food is good, major life events will and should change your fitness goals.
“I only care as much as you care”
This is the mantra that any health professional seeking longevity in their industry needs to live by, and one that should be made crystal clear at the beginning of any client-professional relationship.
Great responses, guys. I especially love Susan’s “If I’m caring about my client’s goals more than my client cares, there’s a problem.” It’s also nice to hear from some CLIENTS here too – Meg, it’s good that you realized your context may be hurting your chances of achieving your goals. Now it’s time to set new, achievable goals – and then go get ’em!
Best,
Melissa