That first patch of rough terrain on your fitness climb can be demoralizing and confusing--what do you do when the things that were working suddenly seem to stop working so well?

Spoiler alert: going even harder and trying more new things in haste rarely works. This too shall pass, and in this episode we'll talk about how.

In this week's episode of the Woodshed Strength Quickcast, we discuss using your brain's reward-based mechanism to install or reinforce a workout habit.

Rewards cement decisions! (And even though it's almost Valentine's Day, the rewards you choose don't have to be chocolates...although they could be!)

Last week on the Quickcast we introduced the idea of Zone 2 Cardio--what it is and why you might want to do it.

This week we offer three ways to get it done--well, more like two and one with an asterisk. You'll have to listen to know what we mean.

In the first of a two-part series on Zone 2 Cardio--Your Secret Fitness Weapon!--we briefly define what Zone 2 Cardio is, and then explain its manifold benefits.

This is our sales pitch: get ready to do more Zone 2!

In next week's episode, we'll suggest several strategies for making that happen.

A little bit of discomfort can be a positive thing. But every repetition of every workout?

We're not so sure about that.

Let's talk about what it's like to win your workouts and keep coming back for more...particularly if you're of a certain age like your host, as they say!

A quick hitting encouragement to choose your game wisely:

*The ones you can win

*The ones that look forward

*The ones with easy, natural next steps

In memory of my mom Donna and her spirited brand of sideline banter, and with encouragement to seek out those voices who will speak to you with similar vehemence.

In Episode 7 of the Woodshed Strength Quickcast, we discuss three common pitfalls follks encounter when planning to start anew with a fitness routine or gym. Give it a listen and don't fall in!