Being in the fitness industry, I see this all the time. The gym is flooded with new people that are excited to start their fitness journey. I call these people “New Year’s resolution” people. Now, I am all for people wanting to exercise. However, my problem is the fact that they stop within 1 or 2 months. I may not be able to stop these people from quitting, but I can help them understand how the process works. So what are key things to avoid from turning into one.
Going to the gym every day isn’t a specific goal.
First, set specific goals. Going to the gym every day isn’t a specific goal. There’s no purpose. Be specific in your approach. “I want to increase my bench press by 25 pounds in 3 months.” “I want to lose 2 inches off my waist by February.” These are specific goals. When goals are specific, it will be easier to design a training program.
Secondly, understand that results take time. Just because you start exercising 5 times a week, you won’t magically look like a fitness competitor. Is there anything in life that you can do just for 1 or 2 months and be a master at? No, right? So why would fitness fit in that category> People look at the end results and that’s where they go wrong. What you don’t see is the number of years and hours they put into their bodies.
Lastly, treat fitness as a healthy relationship, not as a punishment. “I hate exercising.” “I hate going to the gym.” Negative, right? If it were phrased, “I need exercise to relieve stress,” then you are using exercise as a positive stimulus to correct the negative. Just like any other relationship, you don’t want it to be toxic.
For those that are new to fitness, take it slow and understand that changing habits take time. More importantly, staying consistent with exercise is the hardest hurdle. With the right mindset and approach, hopefully you can make sure 2020 will be a year where you don’t say, “I should work out,” because you already will be. Hope you liked this week’s blog. Stay tuned for more next Wed……………..Kei