Razon Strong

Changing your body isn't about self-deprivation or killing yourself working out, it's about figuring out the right tools you need to change. No crazy diets here, just great work ethic, the right amount of the right food, and consistency.

When it comes to working out we often see motivational quotes telling us to never give up. Unfortunately the challenge lies not in your ability to keep going but in knowing when to stop and after it another day.

I'm regularly surrounded by a lot of crossfit fans (yup those guys and girls in the funky colored fitness gear half naked and sometimes obnoxious) and one thing I've realized is that they never give up. They've hit technical failure, back is in pain, hands are cut up, missing a limb, a crossfitter will do whatever the f**k it takes to finish a workout.

That's fu***ng awesome!!! ... sometimes.

When it comes to straight lifting, whether it be powerlifting or bodybuilding I find the opposite (for most people at least). Once some people start feeling the burn they give up. Once the speed of the lift changes they give up. WTF!!! The last few reps are the most important and if you give up too soon you ain't ever going to improve!

Here's what I'm getting at....

You gotta be intuitive when you workout (at least if you're trying to improve) and try and pay attention to how much you have left in the tank. If you're crossfitting I recommend stopping before you hurt yourself. Chances are if your technique has gone to s**t then you're going to hurt yourself. It isn't worth it if you end up having to take time off training and spend more time with your physio/ chiro than a pro athlete. If you're everyone else, a little burning of the muscles and a little struggle isn't going to hurt anyone, but don't sell yourself short and give up too soon. I'm not saying go be stupid and get under a s**t ton of weight that you can't lift. At least try and go until you only have 1-2 reps left in the tank. Embrace the crossfit fortitude but not the badge of honor they call an injury. Crossfitters, I'm glad you're tough as s**t (cause I'm not), but learn when to pack it in and call it a day.

To sum it all up....

Find yourself some good coaches! Here are some places in the Greater Toronto Area I recommend

All In One Strength and Conditioning/ Crossfit AIO
Strength-N-U
Fit Now
B-Elite