Be realistic in your goal setting. It is important from the very beginning and throughout your training to experience victory in each and every workout. Ease into your training with good energy, being careful not to overload yourself and fall victim to mental and physical burnout. Planning to look like Arnold by the end of the summer will be frustrating and you may give up your training completely.

Plan an Orderly and Thorough Routine to Train the Entire Body

Decide how much time you have to devote to your training - how much time per day, and how many days per week. Based on this schedule, design an orderly and efficient routine that includes only basic exercises.

Work your mid-section first, followed by the chest, back shoulders, bicepts, triceps and legs is always a good rule of thumb. Choose two exercises per bodypart, three to four sets of 8-12 reps with a day's rest between muscle groups if you are just getting started.

In organizing an exercise program, keep your eyes and ears open. Scan the web, read magazines and books, visit gyms and get imput from your friends and coaches. An orderly and intelligent training routine is the major tool in achieving your strength training goals.

Make a Commitment, Create a Habit

Commitment is your personal promise - your word of honor - to realize your challenge and it is vital in reaching your goal. The naturally occuring ingredients of commitment are consistency, persistence and determination. These gut disciplines engaged with patience and faith set you in positive motion towards your muscular goals.

Enthusiasm for Training

Each workout is a unique and separate experience unto itself. Events of the day, mood, energy levels and tensions effect every performance differently. Gather up as much enthusiasm as possible before each workout so you enter the gym with energy and a positive attitude. Your training must not become drudgery or a chore that has to be done. This is negative energy, producing negative results and must be willfully resisted.

Pace and Attitude Pave the Way for Success

Keep your workouts tight and efficient, leaving no room for boredom or idle thought. You should quickly develop a mature training attitude allowing no interruptions in the flow of exercise from start to finish. Start your training with a virgorous pace that reflects excitement, confidence and determination.

Become totally involved with each workout, each set and each rep. Focus on the performance of the exercise, the muscles involved and the feelings that result. Get in the groove and sense the burn. Training form is your priority and practice to make it perfect.

Learn to lift weights smoothly, sacrificing the poundage used to gain quality in your performance.

Once the basic foundation has settled in, the good work habits you have developed and your groove established, you will be on your way to develop the strength you desire for your sport.