#369; Luke Leaman 2; Why Your Workouts Aren’t Working: How smart programming changes everything

This podcast dives deep into the overlooked power of training as a transformative tool for physique and overall confidence. Training isn’t just about showing up at the gym—it’s about pushing beyond comfort zones, mastering technique, and embracing a performance-driven mindset. #1 Shift in Belief: Building strength leads to a leaner, more defined appearance over time, not an overly bulky one. Strength training is the most effective way to create the “toned” look many people desire. A significant focus is placed on the necessity of proper technique and the patience required to build a solid foundation. Beginners often skip steps, leading to inefficiencies and injuries. The discussion highlights how poor habits can take years to unlearn, stressing the importance of deliberate, consistent practice over flashy, fast results. The hosts also dismantle myths around quick progress, showing how true gains come from repetition, intelligent programming, and embracing plateaus as part of the journey. The conversation transitions into why generic programs, like those in large group fitness settings, often fall short. Individualized coaching, form corrections, and tailored programming create the sustainable, impactful changes many seek but rarely achieve in environments with low supervision. Strength training is a skill. Building proper form and strength takes time and patience. Long-term results come from consistency and mastering the basics. Another common belief is that physical progress is only meaningful if the number on the scale decreases. This often leads to frustration when body composition changes (such as increased muscle and decreased fat) don’t translate to significant weight loss. Strength training may lead to weight stabilization or even slight gains due to muscle mass increases, which can feel counterproductive if your focus is only on the scale. #2 Shift in Belief: Progress is better measured through changes in strength, energy levels, how your clothes fit, and how you feel overall, rather than just the scale. The episode concludes with a critical perspective on diet culture and the pitfalls of chasing quick fixes. The hosts call for patience, alignment between effort and expectations, and a focus on long-term strategies. The takeaway is clear: Strength isn’t just physical—it’s about mindset, persistence, and doing the right things over time. 5 key takeaways: Define Your Training Goals: Focus on performance-based goals like strength gains or improved movement, not just aesthetics. Master the Basics: Dedicate time to learning proper technique in foundational movements like squats, deadlifts, and presses. Seek Personalized Coaching: Invest in a coach or small group setting to get individualized feedback and tailored programming. Be Consistent: Commit to a long-term training plan, avoiding the temptation to constantly switch programs. Adjust Expectations: Align your effort with realistic timelines, embracing progress plateaus as part of the journey. 5 key questions Are you prioritizing performance goals in your training, or are you still focused on the scale? What beliefs about strength training might be holding you back from pushing harder? Have you ever evaluated whether your technique is helping or hindering your progress? How patient are you with your fitness journey? Do you find yourself chasing quick results? Are your workouts structured in a way that aligns with your long-term goals? How often do you take videos of your lifts to assess form and technique? Do you prioritize strength gains, or are you still stuck in the mindset of doing “more” without purpose? How do you define success in your training—by effort, progress, or something else? Are you willing to commit fully to a program, or are you holding back out of fear or impatience? What would change if you shifted your focus from weight loss to getting stronger and more capable?