What I’d Tell My Younger Self About Training
I started training when I was 17. As you can imagine, my training sucked. If I could go back and give little me some advice, I’d save myself a lot of wasted time and effort.
Like how I refused to train shoulders because I thought I’d look “too big” (now I want bigger shoulders). Or how I thought more workouts = better results, so I trained 6 days a week with a million exercises and got nowhere.
If you’re still figuring out the best way to get jacked, here’s what I wish I knew earlier:
1. Lifting Won’t Make You Bulky – But It Will Make You Look Better
I used to avoid certain exercises because I was scared of looking “too muscular.” I thought lifting heavy = getting huge overnight. Spoiler: it doesn’t work like that (TRUST ME, I’M TRYING LMAO)
Muscle is what gives you shape. It’s what makes your arms look defined, your waist look smaller, and your legs look sculpted. If you want to look lean and toned, train like you want to build muscle.
2. More Isn’t Always Better
I used to think I had to be in the gym every day, doing 6 exercises, 4 sets each, 6 days a week to see progress. But really I was just doing too much and recovering too little.
Training with intensity and focusing on progression is what actually changes your physique. Not junk volume and burning yourself out. A solid 3-5 day program done properly will get you further than 6+ days of just going through the motions.
3. Stop Playing "Macro Tetris" – Food Quality Matters
IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros) sounds great in theory - you can eat whatever you want as long as it “fits.” But if you’re constantly playing a game of “how much junk food can I fit into my macros?”, you’re missing the point.
You’ll feel, perform, and recover way better when you focus on quality food. Yes, have balance. But don’t build your diet around ice cream and chips. Whole foods, lean protein, and proper nutrition will change your body, not just hitting your numbers.
4. Most Supplements Are a Waste of Money
I’ve wasted money on fat burners, BCAAs, and random shit that did absolutely nothing. The truth is most supplements are TRASH.
Here’s what actually works:
✅ Protein powder – A convenient way to hit your protein goal.
✅ Creatine – The most researched supplement for performance + recovery.
✅ Pre workout – Optional, but good for energy.
Take everything else with a grain of salt.
5. Stay Consistent & Keep It Simple
If you’re always looking for the “next best thing” or switching programs every few weeks, you’re slowing yourself down. I was queen of program hopping.
Getting strong, lean, and jacked comes down to:
💪 Training hard & progressing over time
🍗 Eating enough protein & whole foods
📉 Sticking to a plan & not overcomplicating it
I spent too much time second guessing and doing things that didn’t matter. If you’re doing the same, take this as your sign to stop.
Train with purpose. Eat smart. Stay consistent. That’s how you’ll actually see results.
And if you need a coach to take out the guesswork… You know where to find me. 😉
With love,
Coach Sandra x
Baby Sandra as a beginner in the gym