After the excitement of a new exercise program settles down, that is when the real challenge begins. Obviously, you’re not going to transform overnight. Or even over a couple of weeks. Or even a couple of months. This is a long, ongoing process, and that concept needs to be embraced. How many times in my life have I started an exercise program, made some gains, and then slowly slacked off and returned to my old habits. Many, many times, is the answer. And always, months later, I would sit and wonder where I would be had I only kept going. I had started to see results after 3 months, and then stopped. 3 or 4 months after that, I would think “What if I had been training all these months. Imagine what I would look like now.” It’s that thought that has helped to keep me going this time. And I will stress again, the crucial diet element. I don’t care how much weights or cardio you do. If you are not eating a clean diet, your results will fall far short of your potential. You may lose some weight, or tighten up a little, but if you’re going for a fit, muscular physique, diet is key. Incorporate those 3 elements, along with commitment, and the sky’s the limit.