Whether you’re hoping to lose a few pounds or increase your strength and confidence, starting a new fitness plan is very exciting. However, the enthusiasm will soon fade if you allow yourself to fall into the common pitfalls. This will limit your progress and could make you give up altogether.
Sadly, there are many potential problems to consider. Here are 10 of the most common reasons why your plan could fail.
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#1. No Passion
Getting fit isn’t a short-term goal, it’s a lifestyle change. Therefore, it’s imperative that you learn to enjoy the process as well as the destination. Finding a sport that you love, for example, will make it far easier to stay motivated and achieve consistent results. Fitness should be a hobby rather than a chore.
When you love what you do, performance levels should enjoy an upward turn too. Do not underestimate it.
#2. No Defined Goal
While you want to enjoy the process, it’s important to set a defined objective too. Whether it’s losing a few pounds, toning up, or preparing for your wedding doesn’t matter. There are plenty of body shapes that you may aspire to achieve. Setting your sights on the most appropriate answer is key.
In turn, all future decisions will be far more calculated, thus allowing you to see better results.
#3. No Life Structure
Good organizational skills are vital in all aspects of our lives. One of the biggest challenges stems from fitting your fitness routines into a busy schedule. A morning journal can help create the structure you require. Better still, it helps you analyze and monitor your progress to make any necessary tweaks.
If you leave things to chance, it’s likely that the occasional missed session will soon turn into a complete loss of consistency.
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#4. No Competition
Motivation is an essential ingredient in the recipe for success. The human mind thrives on a competitive nature, which is why it can be your greatest asset. Whether using a fitness watch to compete against yourself or friends and family doesn’t matter. The need to be the best will spur you on.
Conversely, without a sense of competition, making excuses will become far too easy.
#5. No Variety
Variety is the spice of life. Aside from keeping your mind engaged with workout plans, it keeps your body on its toes. The body adapts to new physical workloads very quickly. This is why repeating the same routines again and again will bring limited results. And it can soon harm your enthusiasm.
Combine cardio and strength training for optimal progress and long-term rewards.
#6. No Pressure
Setting a long-term ambition for the body image you crave is one thing. But putting pressure on yourself to achieve a goal is another altogether. Signing up for a marathon or a charity sporting event forces you to take fitness more seriously. In turn, you should be able to establish winning habits.
If you hit your targets, it’ll fill you with immense pride. Even if you fall a little short, you’ll have unlocked great progress.
#7. No Rest
Consistency is crucial for long-term fitness progress. However, there is a thing as too much working out. The body needs time to rest and recuperate. Otherwise, you run the risk of encountering serious injuries that could cause major setbacks. Likewise, you won’t have the strength to perform.
A good sleep pattern combined with recovery periods for tired muscles will make a world of difference.
#8. No Diet
Cliche alert, but you cannot outrun a bad diet. Whether you’re wanting to lose fat or gain muscle, fueling the body with the right nutrients is vital. Learning to cook healthy meals from scratch will work wonders, while supplements can take your progress to new heights.
Above all else, you must stay hydrated at all times. Otherwise, negative results will follow.
#9. No Understanding
There’s no room for second guessing during your body transformation. You must learn about nutritional macros. You must understand your natural body type. And you must find workouts and fitness strategies that are in line with your goals and current fitness.
Knowledge is the foundation for success throughout your journey. Only you can take accountability, so make sure you do.
#10. No Reward
Last but not least, you must remember that there is a reason for wanting to get fit. Ultimately, the process is supposed to build a better future. Rewarding yourself is a great motivational tool, and underlines that hard work enhances your life. Establishing a sense of balance is vital.
When the rewards follow each of the steps above, you can’t go far wrong.
