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Some trainers always seem to be able to keep getting bigger, stronger, and more fit, while others experience stops and starts, or even completely hit a wall with their development. While some frustrated trainers might pass off others' success in the gym as lucky genetics, those serious about making great progress towards their fitness goals take slow progress as a wake up call to change the way they approach their workouts. Sometimes the best way to keep striving towards you want isn't by working more, but by working smarter.

Injuries do more that hurt physically, they put a serious dent in your fitness plan as well. Any time you injure a muscle, your plans to exercise that muscle usually have to be on hiatus. The best way to avoid injuries is to play it safe. Don't make big adjustments to your weight on bar until you are sure you are ready. Use a spotter if an exercise calls for one. While using any exercise machine, apply all safety features that are available. If you do experience an injury, leave that muscle alone until it is completely healed. It might be tempting to get back to the gym as soon as possible to get back on track, but jumping the gun might make the injury worse, setting you back even more.

If you are an experienced trainer, stick with what you find best aids in your development unless told to do otherwise by your personal trainer. Sometimes trainers read about a new fad exercise in a magazine and adjust their workout routine to include it, just to try it out. Not really a great idea. If you have experienced huge gains with a particular exercise before, stick with what works for you.

You should also use periodization in your workouts, that is, changing the amount of weight and number reps from workout to workout. This trains your muscles in a number of different ways, which helps your progress. Doing this right can be a bit tricky, so consult with a personal trainer before you make any ill advised changes to your routine.

Lots of overeager trainers forget the importance of resting in between workouts. Weight training damages muscles, and rest helps it grow. Constantly going to the gym and working those muscles as often and as much as possible does nothing but keep the muscles damaged without giving them a chance to recover. Every time you work out a set of muscles, let those muscles rest for one or two days before you come back to them. You'll come back more energized and stronger every time.

Weight trainers shouldn't neglect their cardio if they want to look better. On the really intense exercises, a well maintained cardiovascular system keeps your energy levels high enough to plow through that last set. Regular cardio exercise also burns fat, which helps make your muscles more visible.

Last but not least, keeping a good attitude throughout your fitness plan helps ensure that you get better every day. If you believe you are hard working, dedicated, and smart enough to reach your fitness goals, nothing can stop you.