It is simple, but not as simple as you think

     For some, it may be getting 17 inch guns. For some, it may be being at a shredded single digit bodyfat. For some, it may be being better at their sport. Generally, at a certain degree everyone wants to achieve the ones listed above because well..if you have achieved even some of them you are feakin awesome. However, i do understand if you are more inclined towards only one of them. For example, my ultimate goal is to squat and deadlift 2.5xbodyweight without comprimising too much hypertrophy and fat loss. This is somewhat similar to Jim Wendler's principle as he describes his goal is not train for fat loss, not train for hypertrophy or whatever, but  "train to be awesome".

    However, achieveing the goal is the tricky part. Well, not triky, just not black and white. Alot of factors come into play such as training experience, genetics, training program, etc. For example, an intermediate or advanced lifter that wants to increase an inch to his arms can always try one of John Romaniello's body specialization program and have great success. I personally have tried his back specialization program and now I am just a few steps behind Dorian yates (ok, i am exagerating). However, a bodypart specialization program would not be suitable for a beginner lifter who canot squat or deadlift his bodyweight to save his life. He just doesn't have a strong foundation yet. So yes, beginners, doing endless bicep curls will not make you Arnold. And then people will ask, what amounts to a beginner?intermedieate?advanced? The answers are never black and white and will always depend on the circumstances.

 

                                             No amount of curls can turn this guy into Arnold

                                                 Countless people have benefited from his
                                                               specialization program

    That is why i think the first step towards training is do your own reading first. Do not go to the gym and expect the mindless has-been pakciks or skinny bastards doing endless planks and broomstick twists to teach you. Not that you want to. Once you already have the foundation (an appreciable level of muscle mass, a decent level of strength, knowing how to maintain a good form), venture to your own path. Pick a good program, follow, and have faith in it. And no half assing allowed.