Bodybuilding Weekly: Doctor J - Taking it to the Next Level

Doctor J - Taking it to the Next Level
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malea jensen on 28 August, 2008 04:35:00
 
August 28, 2008
by Malea Jensen
Taking it to the Next Level
Have you ever wondered how you could take your physique to the next level? 
There is so much information out there on how to build muscle--It is easy to get
confused. I am still asking myself questions like, “should I follow a
high-intensity or high volume program?” “Should I train six times a week or
three?” “Should I work one body-part a session or hit two?” These are all
good questions that I am sure you have asked yourself a million times.
The key, however, is to be able to process all the information that you read
about. This is the hard part. Even though I have been lifting for fifteen plus
years, I am still learning what is right for my body. What works for me, may not
work for you. This is where processing of information becomes very important.
Now, the next step is to set goals. The information that you select is based on
the goals you set for yourself. For instance, do you want to add muscle mass, or
stay lean and relatively muscular? Are you trying to build up the quality of a
certain body-part that seems to be lacking? What exactly do you want?
The next thing you need to do is find a source of information that gives you
inspiration. Is it a favorite bodybuilding magazine or a favorite bodybuilder
whose physique you most admire? The fact is, if you try to incorporate too many
ideas and sources of information, you will surely find yourself overwhelmed with
all the possibilities. And it is this overwhelming feeling that causes undue
stress and anxiety. I doubt you will be able to enjoy your training with so much
information overload.
Now, that you have decided on a particular path, go out there and have fun, but
you can still continue to read and listen to other’s theories and ideas. Go
ahead and try them­this is the only way you will know if it works for you. I
always live by the concept of “see it, do it, teach it!”
Role models can be very important. I have followed the detailed plans of other
lifters and bodybuilders because I have found that we have certain qualities in
common. If I want to pack on some serious muscle, I look for the workout
routines of the big girls and boys. If I want to lean out and stay symmetrical,
I look for the Shawn Ray articles. It is all a matter of making decisions and
going after it.  I do not see anything wrong with following the workouts of the
pros because that is where I want to go. Take advantage of your role model’s
advanced knowledge and hopefully you can skip some of the basics and start at a
higher level. If you never dream big, you will never be anything but average.
Personally, I don’t ever want to be average. I set my goals high and that is
what you need to do if you want to advance your physique.
I cannot tell you how long you should stick with a particular program before
you decide it is not working, or you have become stagnant. Everyone is
different. My only advice is that you should be patient and persistent. Effort
is everything. Anything less than 100% is not good enough. I believe you should
give a strategy at least eight weeks before changing.
To conclude this "take it to the limit" mentality, I must add that each of you
needs to evaluate yourself on a regular basis -- I mean seriously evaluate
yourself. This may entail tossing out that ego you have and taking some
constructive criticism.  Then you can decide where you need to go from here. 
Changes may be necessary.  They always are.  Trainees who do not like change,
let their emotions get too involved. They may say to themselves that I always do
chest on Mondays because this is where I am the strongest, but the fact is, they
have never tried a different day, so how would they know when they are the
strongest. That way of thinking is fine, if you are content with your efforts.
You should be proud of yourself for making it this far. There are so many
athletes out there who never give themselves the credit they deserve, but maybe
they never had what it takes go the distance. Bodybuilding is like a roller
coaster­there are ups and downs, twists and turns, but these are the challenges
that are handed to us to make us better. You can either, accept the challenge
and take it to the next level, or you can sit back and watch the pack pass you
by! You decide!
Until next time, eat smart and train with a goal in mind!
Dr. J
Malea Jensen, D.O. is a physician of family and preventative medicine and a
competitive national level bodybuilder. She is known at Dr. J and the
IronLadyDoc.  She received her medical degree from the University of Osteopathic
Medicine and Health Sciences, Des Moines, Iowa, and completed a family medicine
residency at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Des Moines, an affiliate of Iowa University
School of Medicine. Dr. Jensen is NSCA-CPT certified. She authors health and
fitness articles and promotes preventative medicine through community lectures.