- Standing Dumbbell Triceps Extension
- Dumbbell Alternate Bicep Curl
- Deadlifts
- Overhead press
- Squats
This was my training schedule for one day at the gym two years ago. I wanted to get stronger and build muscle. I had to do, for each, 5 repetitions (reps) 5 times (sets), with 10 to 20 seconds break in between each rep. For each set, if possible, I had to increase the weight.
Let me tell you. I had an internal struggle every morning as I got up, whether to go that day or not. It was brutal waking up every day before 6am, so that I could be at the gym before 7. Every morning, the bed was warm and getting out from under the sheets was not something I looked forward to.
But I wanted to be healthy. I wanted to be lean. I wanted to be stronger. So I put in the reps and I did the work.
After a few months, I had no problem waking up every morning. And I lost weight and gained muscle. Then, life got in the way and I stopped going. Not long after, I put on some of the weight back. And I know the only way to get back in shape is to put in the reps.
I can't have someone else do the sweating, the struggling, have all the muscle soreness, and expect all the muscle gain and weight loss to pass to me.
I think the argument is the same for accessibility. You can't outsource accessibility and expect long term and lasting results.
Yes, you could hire an outside agency to do an accessibility audit, then someone else to fix all the issues and bring your website into compliance with accessibility standards. They'll work hard to do what they do best. They'll prioritise, investigate, design, fix and test everything. They'll stay overtime to do it too. All the hours, every day.
All the while, without having you or your team involved in the process.
You might get an accessible website, but just like me putting the weight back on, it won't last long without your continued efforts. Your continued efforts.
The truth is, you can't expect to get any results without putting in the reps.