Have you ever wanted to start to get in shape but found the task overwhelming? It happens to the best of us I can assure you. What fitness program should you start with? What foods do you need to buy? Where should you workout? That stuff is thinking and results only come from action.

Most self-help gurus will recognize this as analysis paralysis. It happens in fitness too. I've seen people put their fitness programs on pause because they didn't have any plates less than 2.5 pounds and that month's fitness magazine said that they were very important to progress.

Hogwash. You know what's important to progress? Getting started. Taking some action.

They little plates are cool and serve a purpose but I have never used on in my life. Just stick with the weight until you get the reps you are supposed on that set. Then on the next workout, increase your weight by the smallest weight (usually 2.5's). Your reps will drop of course, but that is all part of the plan. Stay at this weight until you hit your top end reps again. Rinse and repeat!

I've seen people that haven't moved their weights up in months because they are working on the "mind muscle connection". Well that's fantastic and important too, but muscles respond to increasing demands. Once in a while, you just want to go for it. Let your form slide a little and see how much effort you can output. You want to watch that you don't let chasing "perfect form" keep you handling weights that are not heavy enough to cause any change. It's a balance of form and controlled aggression. Switch it up once in a while.

Have you ever put your fitness program on hold because you are going on a vacation? The rational is that since you can't eat perfectly and train perfectly, what's the point?

When I travel, I always look for steamed veggies, salads, chicken breasts and steaks at a restaurant. If I don't see them, I ask for them. Most time, I go for a Cesar salad. It's better than fries. When I am really trying to stay strict, I go for a fish and rice combo or chicken and veggies.

Another favorite of mine is a steak sandwich and then I toss the bread and order a side salad. Also, I always bring my shaker cup and a zip lock of protein powder. In my luggage I bring the bucket. If you want to see customs lose their minds, then throw a hand held blender in there. Crazy I know, but don't you want to look crazy good?

What about gyms on vacation? Listen, you can do pushups, chin-ups and squats in a closet. There is always a way to get some action when traveling.

Spend your time on actions, because that will produce results, not keep you from starting. Don't let the small things like, what color your training journal should be keep you from starting. Write it on the back of your hand, but go to the gym!

Its great to spend time on attention to detail. It really is, because that is where efficiency comes into play. The one thing you need to remember however is that "You can never hit a target no matter how long you spend aiming, if you never pull the trigger."

Now go get at it. The only thing between you and your goals is pushing the first rep.