Where is your focus????

 I hear it all the time. I'm sure you've been told the same thing or have even stated it yourself. "I just don't have it today."  I have a suggestion for getting past these moments. What usually works for me is taking a step back and adding more focus to my training. We do our best to act like Unbreakable Beast (shameless plug) when we're in the gym. We train hard all the time and give max effort more then we should in most cases. When you're training naturally it's even more important to be connected to your body and energy levels. We have to learn to take a step back every once in a while and do what I call focus training. It will give your CNS (central nervous system) some needed rest and lower your risk of joint injury. When I'm in focus training mode, I usually focus MORE on the contraction then the weight. It's impossible to use the weight you normally use when you focus on contracting the muscles as hard as you can with each lift instead of just moving the lbs for good 6 to 8 reps. I get asked all the time how I shape my chest and lower pecs. I tell them I do a ton of static contraction work or focus training. You have to go lighter, it hurts a hell of a lot more, and you can't do as many sets when you do this type of training. I do find that it gives my joints some much needed rest and I feel stronger when I get back to my heavy training. I usually do focus training for a week hitting all body parts at least once using this training method.  So when you're scheduled to do some heavy work and you know you just don't have it that day, try warming up with some focus training and I bet it will get you back in the right frame of mind.

Big E