So, you've got a goal. You wanna bench press 800 or post an elite total, set a state record, world record, personal record. Yeah that's great, but what are you going to do about it? I can dream that I wanna be a doctor but if I'm not getting my tail into medical school what good is that dream? That's right, it's not worth crap!

We're coming up on the holiday season. Traveling out of town, seeing family, working a bit harder to make that much needed extra cash. But what about your lifting dreams in the midst of all this? You gonna miss a heavy squat day just because you're tired from all the hustle and bustle? Or maybe your training partner isn't going to be able to come in on your heavy deadlift day. You gonna let an obstacle CRUSH your dream? I don't think so. Now is the time of year to see if you really want it. It's easy to miss a day, miss a meal, miss some needed sleep, etc. Are you going to be a hypocrite?

Sure, family is important and I'm not saying put your workout and training lifestyle in front of them, but don't use them as an excuse to get you off of your routine. Here are some helpful guidelines to get you through the holiday season.

1) If you're stretched for how many days you can get into the gym, cram more into each workout. For example, if you can only train 2 days in a week, split it up into a lower body day and an upper body day. Research has shown that doing one set of exercise for each muscle group will maintain strength. You won't get stronger training this way but it's better than losing strength.

2) Don't skip a meal. Yeah you've got an hour lunch break and you really need to get a little shopping in. Carry a protein bar or a protein shake with you. Your body is like a car, it needs fuel and if you're not giving it any, it will switch to reserve. Your body will start eating up excess fat and yes, even muscle. Dieting correctly you could expect to lose 75% fat/25% muscle, but if you are fasting you should expect to lose 50%fat/50% muscle. Plan your day and be prepared.

3) Get enough sleep. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep so that your body can recover. Not only will you feel stronger in the gym, you'll feel better at work and with the family and friends.

4) Stay mentally tough. Mental toughness is what sets us apart as powerlifters. Your everyday gym lifter just doesn't have what it takes to do what we do. Don't let circumstances, missing a workout, family issues, or any bullcrap get you down. You are a trained freak at what you do and keep on doing it!

Guys, let's enter the new year with such a focus that we've never had before. It's time to make our dreams become realities. Good luck, lift hard!

The Prodigy