"The foundation is the most important part, more time is spent on that than any other floor. The foundation is the hardest part to lay down. But once you do then it's easy, then the Sky Scrapper goes up really fast, if you've ever seen construction. That's the hard part, getting over it in the beginning. Three weeks it's a habit, three weeks it will be ingrained in your central nervous system if you do this everyday for three weeks. The hardest part about getting a ship moving is the beginning. With NASA shuttles, the most fuel used is in that launch. That;s where the most energy and effort is required. And we get caught up in the trap that that is the energy, that is the focus required throughout the entire process, and that's not the case. You will adapt, it will be easier for you. But it's a matter of getting over that fear in the beginning, to then get to that point where it's ingrained in your central nervous system". -Jarret Grossman

So there is a new couple at the gym, just a month or two new. Great couple, hard working, always willing to help and participate. I am starting to form a great friendship with the girl, we'll call her Ruby. Ruby has always been an athlete in some capacity, whether it was college and high school sports, or training in the gym after college. Ruby has never really trained for strength. She has also never really had someone be critical of her form. I've taken a personal interest in helping Ruby because, as powerlifting goes, she is green. I have started her at ground zero, learning form from a beginners standpoint, which is what she technically is. We have been working basics for about a month now, and her meet prep starts next week. We have all but stripped all her weights, completely breaking her form down and starting fresh. This means a fraction of the weight on the bar she was using before. This is something that is taking a huge mental toll on her. Ruby gets extremely frustrated using less weight, even though her form was pretty horrid before, the only thing she is focusing on is the fact that she is "weaker". I quote weaker because she actually is not weaker, learning how to do something the right way is a lot harder, takes a lot more time, and the gratification is not immediate. She can't see the big picture right now, all that matters is that she is doing less. I have changed her deadlift from sumo to conventional. I did this because as far as a beginner goes there is less to master, IMO, and it will have better carry over to her overall strength,IMO. She's always questioning me about it because she could do more weight sumo, even though her form was bad and risk to her overall health. Ruby is very driven, and I know she will put the work in, but she is constantly questioning the whole process and living on "ya butts". Ya butt I was strong this way, ya butt I like this better, ya but this is easier, etc. Another problem she has is understanding the work load. She has a Doctorate in the realm of health so I know she's not dumb. Ruby does not comprehend why she can't just come in every training session and lift a max single every time she is in the gym. I have her rep ranges rotate every weeks from 5 reps, to 3 reps, to 1 rep, repeat. You do not get stronger from testing your strength, you do not learn proper technique from testing your strength, you do not learn how to grind by testing your strength, you don't overcome adversity by testing your strength. The next twelve weeks should be very interesting. Can she stick to the plan, will she put the time into the foundation so the building doesn't collapse? I think she will.

The purpose of writing this is not about complaining or venting. I know so many people out there work with beginners whether it be in fitness, or any other avenue of life. Both sides need to be patient and understand its difficult, and it will be difficult for a while. Gratification will come slow at first. Have faith in the process and have faith in the vessel.

The quote above, is from one of my favorite motivational speakers Jarret Grossman, this video is where that quote is from. Amazing video!