Flex Lewis epitomizes the motivation and discipline that it takes to be your best. I am always astounded to look in on his workouts to see the effort and mindset required to be his best. It’s downright humbling. I like to believe that I work harder than anybody else in the gym whenever I train. But, watching Flex helps me to put things into perspective because he always trumps my best.
I have four maxims that I use regarding my training. I put these into place so I would keep reaching for things that are better. 1.) Never miss workouts. Consistency is the name of the game. Bodybuilding is as much a lifestyle as it is a sport. Nothing gets in my way to train. 2.) Do not talk during training. It’s not always possible to keep my mouth shut and to stay on task. But, to the degree I can I stay on task. I try to limit my conversations to a time and place away from my training. My Coach, Justin Dees told me, “When people interrupt your training they are stealing your training time.” So, I wear a headset with great music and I push through the session. 3.) Make it a point to work harder than anybody else. Do not settle for going through the motions. I attack my workouts so hard that my Coach has had to warn me many times about overtraining. I have moderated my training a little —-but not much. It’s very important to know that I have pushed myself over the top and nobody can catch me. 4.) When I leave the gym I want a “chip on my shoulder” that states, “I own this place.”
I am a collector of motivational quotes that I turn into mantras that I repeat often during my workouts. One of my favorites is again from my hero Flex Lewis, “The trophy is earned in the hours when no one is watching.” This quote is hanging in several conspicuous locations in my home. It constantly reminds me that my bodybuilding success is totally up to me, nobody is going to do it for me, and I MUST walk alone. This Flex Lewis quote has had a profound impact on me as a person and as a bodybuilder. More accurately, it reveals to me a little peak at the heart of the Champion, Flex Lewis. It pushes me to never lose track of my task at hand and to put forth superior effort to win. This lesson cannot be taught. This vision for success is more caught than taught.
Lastly, it has to be stated that nothing is given to us in this sport. There is only the goal(s), our plans to get there, and the hard work required to win. I am eternally grateful for the example Flex Lewis has set for me. I cannot be him but I can be a much better version of me. It takes work!
Until next time, I remain Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, (ret), MHSM
Six Pack and Senior 