FAST, CHEAP AND EASY: PICK 2

Everyone wants everything to be fast, easy and cheap.  It’s especially bad these days, with the internet providing us everything instantly with no effort on our part, and in many cases completely free of charge (regardless of the legality).  As a result, this mentality now permeates physical culture.  Everyone who decides they are going to go down the road of physical transformation still wants to know the fastest, easiest and cheapest was to accomplish their goals.  Advertisers have keyed in on this, promising amazing results in 6 weeks with no workout, or boosting your bench 80lbs in 8 weeks with one super secret program.  Others have decided to pirate programs like P90X or Insanity so that they can get their gym free workout with fast results at no cost.

No matter how much you pirate, it won't make you him

Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that nothing impressive was ever accomplished with something fast, easy and cheap.  At best, you’re going to get 2 of the three here.  If something is fast and easy, it ain’t gonna be cheap.  If it’s fast and cheap, it ain’t gonna be easy.  And if it’s easy and cheap, it’s not going to be fast.  An unwillingness to compromise on at least one of these aspects of life leads to an inability to achieve noticeable results.  On that topic as well, it’s not simply about possessing the ability to go without one of these 3 concepts, but a WILLINGNESS to do so.  Sacrifice is one of the cornerstones of success in physical development, and if you are unwilling to make any sacrifices, you will not grow.

Want some examples of what it looks like when you’ve decided on two of these three concepts?  Lets dive in.

FAST AND EASY: PERSONAL TRAINER/COACHES

This image is never NOT funny

This is definitely the fast track to success, and very easy.  You hire someone to tell you how to lift and eat, and then you follow it without question.  There is no need for research, reading, or any real effort on your part to figure out what does and does not work.  You hire a professional and roll.  However, this isn’t cheap.  You get what you pay for, and quality training requires quality pay. 

From the nutritional standpoint, it’s also the same.  You hire a chef to make meals for you and you’re good to go.  If you’re really gung ho, you outsource your shopping too.  Your food is always ready and at no effort of your own, but you are paying a hefty sum for this service.

EASY AND CHEAP: HOME WORKOUT

You see this a lot with trainees first starting out.  They want to get in shape, but don’t want to join a gym.  They want to know about a workout they can do with just a pull up bar and a jump rope, and don’t you DARE tell them to join a gym, because they don’t have the time or the money to ever leave their house.

Don't forget about germs

Will this be easy?  Hell yeah, there is nothing to it.  Do some pull ups and jump rope.  Is it cheap?  You bet it is.  There is barely any equipment and no membership fee.  Is this going to be fast?  Not at all.  You’re going to spend a LONG time training before you see any results at all, and even then they simply will not be impressive.

From the nutritional standpoint, this is making everything from scratch.  You never buy anything pre-made, and in general look for the lowest quality cuts of meat to save money.   Additionally, with this approach you’re going to most likely spend a lot of time using a slow cooker, so there goes any delusion of speed.  That being said, you’re not going to be buying junk with this approach, and your meals are going to be very basic, mainly meat and veggies, which is a positive thing for most trainees.

CHEAP AND FAST: LOW TECH/HIGH INTENSITY

You want to get big and strong fast and not spend a lot of money on mystery sups or high tech equipment?  Go do 20 rep squats.  If you hammer the basics hard, get most of your nutrients from food and don’t mess around with a bunch of fancy shit in the gym, you will whip yourself into shape very fast and on the cheap.  But it’s not going to be easy.  At all.  Truth be told, it’s going to suck.  You will work like a dog, with limited outside assistance, no hired coach or trainer, and very little feedback.  You will make mistakes and need to learn from them on your own in order to progress, as nothing will be spelled out for you.


Nutritionally, cheap and fast is how most Americans live their lives.  Lots of pre-packaged meals and fast food.  You can eat like this, sure, but it’s definitely not going to make reaching your goals easy.

Like a high school prom date: fast and cheap, and greasy, with hot buns and pickles...I seemed to have f**ked up the analogy

These examples I have provided are not the only ones available, but still illustrate the point here.  You have to be willing to make sacrifices and compromises in order to progress and transform.  Those who seek to always take the path of least resistance will earn themselves a lackluster physique and minimal strength.  Those willing to undergo adversity and make sacrifices will have it reflected in their physical appearance.  What you sacrifice will change depending on many factors, but your willingness to make sacrifices must remain constant.