--The more you do it, the stronger you'll get. You can get stronger than you ever imagine. At some point, you'll question how you ever lived without it because it brings such satisfaction. Discipline and repetition are key. Don't EVER give up.
--You'll sweat and get messy. Sometimes it'll smell bad and look hideous. Soon, that won't matter because it feels so right and the results are undeniable.
--There's an important place you must find: it's the place between over-exertion (that leads to injury) and laziness (letting yourself off the hook). Once you find that place, stay there. But only stay there until your ability to exert increases. Then step it up.
--You'll get sore. That's right when you're about to make a leap into new dimensions of strength. Pay attention to the pain, but don't let it stop you. When experiencing soreness, call upon your own strength or the strength of God. It helps, seriously.
--If you constantly try to mimic other people's muscle-building regimens and routines, you'll never figure out the approach that works for you. Listen to your body and take some risks! You'll stumble into a specific way of doing things eventually. This process of listening, risking and stumbling is the only way you'll discover a sustainable routine. You and those you love deserve sustainability.
--Your muscles get stronger because tissue/fibers break-down and build back up. Allow both.
--As your muscles get stronger: cardio endurance capacity increases. It takes a while, but when it happens, it's AWESOME. You'll run harder and faster than ever.
--Work out partners will save your life, particularly those who don't have huge muscles yet and keep it real about how hard it is.
--Work out partners who know how to crack the right joke when you're muscling through that last *almost impossible* set are priceless. Have at least three of those on-call.
--When in doubt, consult the professionals who have years of experience working with the equipment and know all those special "insider" tricks.
--Distraction helps sometimes. Other times it gets in the way. Figure out the difference and cultivate healthy distractions.
--You will fall off the routine and feel like shit. Forgive yourself and start again without making a big deal about it. The only good thing about "off-time" is that you realize how necessary and good it is when sticking with the program.
--Those who are choosing not to engage will despise your strength and look at your effort with suspicion. Invite them to walk with you. They'll see how good it feels to move.
--If you really push yourself in public, people will stare at you, especially if you're working hard enough to make noise. You will feel silly and awkward. Get over it.
--Music makes everything a little bit easier.--Literature helps too.
--Drink lots of water. Get as much rest as you need. No one can sustain a good routine without the proper nutrients.
--Core strength (stomach muscles) is/are the hardest to develop. They are the key.
