The devil is in the details

The real trick to success with your workout program will be your attention to detail, and setting goals that are specific.

This is one aspect of excercise planning that is overlooked even by high level athletes but, a critical factor in the success of elite performers and the transformation of couch potatoes.

Rather than simply saying your goal is to workout for an hour, make sure you not only specify the length of time but also the task and the level it will be accomplished at.

This accomplishes one of the main objectives in setting workout goals, and that is creating a plan that provides an objective measure of success.

For athletes into team sports, factoring skills drills into your routine is critical in raising the level of game day performance. Accuracy drills serve as crucial yardstick for personal performance for a team athlete. Simply put, there is no one to blame but yourself if you miss a free throw or a cross ice pass.

The same goes to your weight lifting routine, you either completed what was on your to do list, or you did'nt. By building up a base of successful completions in a non competitive environment, you will be conditioned to perform to a given standard in a competition setting.

It is only through a detailed plan that you can see your progress through measured results.