What is it with people who go to the gym and spend several minutes between sets chatting with others, checking text messages, and finding other distractions which deter them from starting the next set? I am not kidding when I say that I train rapidly, resting only 30 seconds between sets or supersets, and I do this all the time. That is part of the reason why I do NOT want to chat at the gym. Believe me when I say that I am thinking about my next set while I am resting. I do not allow random thoughts to creep in because they can throw me off, especially if they are anxiety-provoking. When in the gym, distractions and worries MUST be pushed aside, because there is nothing to be gained from fretting over life’s trials during that brief time. I figure that my task at the gym is to WORK OUT with the focus on myself. I have the rest of the day to tend to my responsibilities and to others.

I wear earbuds and listen to tunes on my iPod, and I move quickly from one exercise to the next when supersetting. It still amazes me how many people will interrupt me when they can see that I have earbuds on! Another thing that helps to keep me moving rapidly is my busy schedule. I almost always have somewhere I need to be immediately after my workouts, so I focus on getting things done. Even when I am not prepping for an upcoming contest, I work out quickly and with intensity. Recently, someone approached me at the gym and said that he had never seen someone work out as intensely as me, and that it was an admirable thing. This same person assumed that I worked out all day, every day. I honestly do not have that luxury, and besides, I firmly believe that you do not and should not train for lengthy periods of time in an effort to train effectively. I usually complete my lifting regimen in 30 to 75 minutes each day.

Here is a tip if you are having trouble moving rapidly through pyramids or supersets: Line up all the equipment you will need and move quickly from one exercise or weight to the next. If you keep re-racking weights between sets, you will waste time.