9 Mistakes Stopping You From Getting In Shape
Getting in shape is not a simple as it seems. It requires lots of self-discipline and willpower. Ideally, you should make a commitment to yourself, to your health and stick to it, no matter what.
January is the month where everybody decides to join the gym to get in shape. The initial enthusiasm wears off quickly, and there you are stuck with a one-year membership to a club that you might show up only for some tanning sessions or the massage chair.
Does this sound like you? Stop self-sabotaging your fitness goals! Here are some crucial mistakes to avoid so you can work on building a better healthier version of yourself.
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1. Working Out Only When You Feel Like
Get your body in gear and move! Make exercise a priority and part of your routine. Schedule the time the same way you book a business meeting. Approach it like it’s your job.
Make it non-negotiable. Don’t ask yourself, hmmm, do I feel like working out today? Don’t put it up for debate. This is something you are doing for YOU! You don’t question if you are going to brush your teeth. At least I hope you don’t! lol
Unless you have spent the night awake and is exhausted or you are sick, do yourself a favour and get moving. There are no BUTs, just get it done. In the end, you will be glad you showed up!
Decide the days you are working out and COMMIT to it! Aim for at least 4 days a week.
2. Not Getting Fit Without Consistency
One day you exercise in the morning then the next day at night. Without a plan, the likelihood of you skipping a session increases exponentially.
As you keep bumping the time until you can squeeze a workout in, you realize it got too late, and it’s already dinner time. By then, you are too tired and have no motivation.
To maximize your chance of success of getting in shape, workout at the same time every day. Tackle it first thing in the morning. You are not only going to feel great, but it will also boost your energy to start your day off right.
3. Unrealistic Expectations
A lot of people start working out, expecting to see drastic results super fast. It took time for you to get where you are now, so please be patient and keep pushing it, and progress will surely come.
Getting in shape takes time, but it is so worth it! You will feel like a million bucks when you catch a glimpse of your fit body in the mirror. Your confidence will thank you.
Your goal should be to STAY ACTIVE FOR LIFE and not just for the summer. Think long term! This is a marathon and not a sprint.
4. Proper Nutrition Is A Must
Exercise alone won’t get you a leaner, defined physique without proper nutrition. Most results will come from what you are feeding your body. You can’t out-train a bad diet.
Following a balanced meal plan, including whole-food rich in vegetables, fruits, lean protein, healthy fats and good carbs, will assist you in reaching your goal. Try to cut down on processed foods.
Avoid fad diets. They usually result in nutritional unbalance and can end up doing more harm than good. The ones high in fat can potentially damage your liver and kidneys, you should stay away from them. It is all about balance!
Six pack abs are made in the kitchen. Have you ever heard that?
Perhaps this is the most challenging part when pursuing a healthier lifestyle. At least, this is the one I struggle the most.
5. Avoiding Weight Training
Lifting weights will build muscle and muscle burns calories. It is as simple as that.
While cardio is great for your overall health, it’s the weight training that will tone and sculpt your body. In addition to helping to prevent bone loss, which is a huge bonus when you are getting older.
The weight must feel heavy enough that you struggle to finish the set. You need to challenge yourself; otherwise, you won’t achieve the results wanted.
6. Not Drinking Enough Water
Water is a natural hunger suppressant and will assist in weight loss.
Without adequate hydration, your body can’t properly metabolize stored fat. Your brain also might confuse thirst with hunger, which will make you eat more.
There are so many benefits to drinking water that it can be a whole new post on its own. But some of them are healthier skin and nails, relieve constipation, and prevent hangovers.
How much water should you drink a day? A general guideline is nine cups (2.2 litres) for women and twelve cups (3.0 litres) for men, as suggested by the Dieticians of Canada.
7. Allowing Distractions While Working Out
Let’s say you walk every day. During the walk, you are talking on the phone, or you go to the gym but spend more time socializing than actually working out.
Obviously, you won’t see much progress and will be asking yourself why.
Get rid of the distractions, put your phone aside, and focus on what you are doing. It will decrease the chance of injury, and you will be able to push yourself to reach that next level.
8. Rewarding Yourself With Unhealthy Food
You had a killer workout, or you lost those ten pounds, and the results are starting to show. You are so happy that you decide to celebrate eating a massive hamburger, french fries and a box of chocolate while washing all down with a couple of beers.
Guess what is going to happen? You will slip back into bad habits that you are trying to change, and might also be a motivation killer.
Be mindful of how you are rewarding yourself. You should do something that reinforces your good habit and aligns with what you are trying to achieve and not the opposite.
9. Comparing Yourself To Others
Everyone is going through their own journey fighting their own battles. Focus on your path and celebrate every milestone you reach.
Comparison is the thief of joy
There will always be someone stronger and fitter than you, and that is OKAY! Progress looks different on everyone, no journey is the same.
Comparing ourselves to others is a sure way to create unhappiness. Just DON’T!
Be patient with yourself, getting in shape takes time and dedication. But when you see the changes in your body, you will feel incredible and unstoppable. Your self-esteem will skyrocket!
I hope this list helps you to avoid making these common mistakes that are stopping you from achieving your goal and getting the body you want.
Do you have any fitness goals you are currently focusing on? What are the challenges you are facing?
If this post has been valuable to you, spread the love and share it!
Much love,
XOXO
Monica