The “ideal”, what does that mean? A better question might be; what does that mean to YOU? Safe to say that 10 people may have a different idea of what that word means to them, so it would also be safe to say that question itself is a bit of a conundrum.
Many of you in social media land are in pursuit of the “ideal” physique, which consumes most of your time and, in most cases, comes to consume your identity. It’s a sad but all true reality, more so because those engulfed by it don’t even see what’s happened to them. What you often overlook is the fact that in a physique sport, you’re judged by a panel of individuals that are basing their critique on a certain standard they’re looking for, against a field of competitors that all look different. It’s subjective – not finite. So, should you win I feel comfortable saying that you were the “ideal” – that day in that competition, yet still maybe not the “ideal” within the industry. Make sense?
Let’s talk about S&C and training, and use the squat as our example. The “king” of all exercises has variations, but we’ll use a standard, shoulder width stance for the purposes of this discussion. If you read my blogs or follow me on social media, chances are you’re a Coach; Trainer or generally someone who understands and encourages proper form in exercise. While this is all well and good, I think it’s important not to be too critical when assessing someone working out or working with a trainer. I know, I know, we all see the ridiculousness that goes on in the gyms, and those of us whom are truly professional can tell the wannabes from the legitimate Trainers. The reality is that everyone’s squat pattern is different, mechanics are different and therefore COULD be “ideal” – but “ideal” for THEM.
Think about it. Exercise is individual; therefore individual attention and guidance is necessary to help you reach your potential. Understanding your physical abilities and, more importantly, limitations while being honest about both is vital to your growth. Not just physically but mentally as well. If you fail to acknowledge you need improvement in some area(s), what do you have to work towards? You should always be asking yourself (or those judges if you’re a physique athlete) how you can improve. I don’t care what your “coach”, boyfriend or mom and dad tell you….you can always improve. When the best continue to improve and you’re not even close to that. So worry about what anyone else is doing; focus on YOU and what YOU need to do, too many people are super critical. You have all that energy to spend on critiquing other people? The pit fall of continuously comparing yourself to others is that you’ll never know what YOUR ideal rally is…chasing after someone else’s.
Stop fishing for ‘likes’ and just ‘like’ yourself.
~RM
Ryan Mallett Official 