Achieving fitness goals takes time, dedication, effort and a plan. Developing new healthy habits that will help loose fat or gain muscles are generally slow processes to which there are no quick fix solutions. People are generally interested in the thought of pursing such goals, but tend to loose motivation when it comes time to engage in actual work. As a personal trainer, it is important to set your clients up for success by helping them stay motivated and on track. We put together a list of the top contributors to fitness failures.
1. Lack of Realistic/Achievable Short-Term Goals
Without short-term realistic goals, it’s hard to stay focused on where you are going. Lack of an achievable plan is the most common mistake that leads to fitness failures. The most effective way to take on a long-term goal is by breaking it into smaller achievable short-term goals. Reaching short- term goals will help encourage and keep you on track. Identifying your goals will always help you use your time more efficiently instead of spending hours doing the wrong exercises.
2. Lack of a Complete Healthy Routine
Achieving your fitness goals goes beyond the work you do in the weight room. It takes a multi-factor approach to create a healthy lifestyle. How and what you fuel your body with has a significant impact on the work you do during training sessions. You wouldn’t expect your car to run on the wrong fuel, so how can you expect your body to perform with processed junk food as fuel? Start by developing a nutritional well-balanced meal plan that fits your lifestyle.
3. Comparing Yourself to Others
Every person is unique with a different set of skills, strengths, weaknesses and capacities; therefore comparing oneself to others does not make sense. It is easy to become consumed and discouraged by the constantly streaming imageries displayed on social media of the perfect fitness bodies. It is important to remain focused on your own goals, as everyone’s differs.
4. Lack of Time
Making the time for a workout is a major obstacle that most people face, especially with family and work obligations. It is important to think of working out as a life priority and evaluate what you could possibly do without, for example TV time. Establishing fitness as a habitual part of your day will help you achieve your goals.
5. Lack of Motivation
Whether you have motivation or not, it’s important to show up for a workout anyway. Planning your week’s workouts ahead of time will help you get there, whether you feel like it or not. In order to build motivation, try writing out your goals and creating a timeline. Rewarding yourself along the way will keep you motivated and working towards your goals.
6. Fear of Discomfort
Transforming your body into a healthier version of yourself will require some level of discomfort. Whether you are upping your weights or pushing further with your cardio, you will face discomfort at some point. Many people give up on their fitness goals because they can’t push back the discomfort. Learning to recognize that discomfort is a mental state will help you break down any barriers and achieve your goal.
7. Uncertainty of Your Workout
Uncertainty about what exercise to do or the proper form can result in a hesitant approach without the intensity needed for progressions towards your fitness goals. An easy solution to this problem is getting the help of a professional trainer. Like anything else, the more your study and practice, the more confident you will become.
Creating new healthy habits will take time, dedication and planning, in order to reach your goals. It is important to recognize that setbacks will happen but you shouldn’t let them defeat you. Stay focused on your short-term goals because loosing weight or gaining muscle does not happen overnight.
