life style changes made easy

It happens to everyone. All of a sudden a moment of motivation, determination and genuine desire to (really this time!) change your lifestyle will hit. For most people (like me) this feeling has to come and go many times before actually succeeding with the goal. It happens again and again because somewhere along the way, from all-consuming ambition, to actual results, the plan falls off track.

Over the years of training myself, and my clients, I’ve noticed the causes for not achieving goals:

1. Too Ambitious

Is there really such a thing? YES! If you have never exercised and have been eating poorly, and then all of a sudden you vow to work out six times a week and eat nothing but chicken breast and vegetables, you will have a hard time sticking to the plan. For one thing, you will be very tired, sore and the sudden caloric decrease will make you cranky.

Instead of jumping to the ideal lifestyle, don’t think you’re wussing out by taking your time to get there. It’s more beneficial to ease the body into exercise by giving the muscles a chance to “wake up,” and screen yourself for injuries or limitations. I recommend changing your diet but don’t become discouraged when everything else is healthy but you’re not ready to pack a bean salad for lunch, and still picking up food court pizza. It will all come together eventually!

2. No Consistency

Having a plan is the only way to reach goals. It’s like driving. You wouldn’t try to find your way to a new place without a map, and just “wing it.” You’re not going to just drive in the general direction and hope you make it. By saying that you’ll exercise three times a week but not dedicate a time and day to that workout, it won’t take long before a week goes by and then, oh yeah right, I forgot to exercise!

Consistency develops habits. As human beings, we live around habits, rituals and routine. Developing a positive routine is challenging at first, but once you get into it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without exercise. Pick specific days, times and duration to guarantee a regular schedule.

3. No Results

Nothing is more demotivating than working your ass off and receiving no results. Anyone exercising will achieve quick benefits such as improved well being, lower stress and better sleep. However, most people are working toward a specific goal, and when this is not met, it’s likely to quit before trying to determine the cause. There are many factors that could be stunting results: not working out hard enough, long enough, and eating too much or not the right foods. It could also be a simple matter of body composition changing and not seeing results on the scale, even though change is indeed happening within the body.

A fitness programme has an element of trial and error. It’s important to try different things to figure out what works best for your body. Take measurements instead of judging progress on weight alone. If you still don’t see the results you are looking for, hire a personal trainer and/or nutritionist to guide and advise along the way to your fitness success.

Keep At It!
Jarrett James