This is part 1 of what will be a 4 part series.

When I finish writing this series, I'm hopeful that it'll be a fantastic reference point not only for novice's but also experienced trainee's who've matured in the iron-game and may consider themselves at an 'advanced' level. That statement itself encompasses the whole concept of what I'm about to write: whether you're just trying to get in better shape for a holiday by becoming more muscular and defined, or trying to radically improve your physique and push it to elite standards, the three fundamental principles that determine your results are ubiquitous no matter what level you're at RIGHT NOW.

Now, I've said three, because it truly is the magic number when it comes to this whole lifting / self-improvement ideology and way of life for many. If you want to be successful in regards to improving your physique, health and longevity, and performance, you must get these three principles dialled in - it is that important. That they all sit on a delicate equilibrium next to each other so perfectly should not be intimidating by any measure: you only have to get three things right, and I'm about to present to you the most simple, easy-to-follow structure for adhering to these three principles that will guarantee success if you take heed to my words - it's that powerful when applied!

By now you're probably screaming, "Drop the bullshit and tell us what they are!". The funny thing is, I suspect many of you may already know; but here are the three magic principles that we'll cover in the proceeding articles that will follow this piece:

• Training (the actual work you do to create the stimulus itself)
• Food / Nutrition (I call this "the fuel")
• Rest (the overlooked component for many)

Look familiar? If you're not progressing at this current moment in time in your training regime, take a minute to consider whether you're logically applying these three principles. You'll soon realise you're neglecting at least one, right?

If you are making steady - or great - progress in your training right now, then I'm willing to wager that you're pretty dialled in on these three principles and you're reaping the rewards from them.

Now that I'm a lot more experienced and mature about the whole concept of training, I tend to take a very simplistic view of things and make myself as efficient as possible with deductive reasoning - something I wrote about in a short article on Training Efficiency, here.

So, with that being said, expect the first installment very shortly - I will go over each principle extensively, but only in the sense that you shouldn't have any complex questions. I will cover each principle comprehensively in the sense that you should leave with a clear, strategic plan and knowledge that you can implement immediately for effective results.

Stay tuned - if you're serious about getting results, that is!