It's almost summer time, so you've had months now to work on those New Year's fitness resolutions. How are you doing? Have you seen the progress you anticipated? Are your goals in sight?
If not, it may be time to re-evaluate your fitness routine. How effectively are you using your energy? If you feel like you're working yourself to death and not getting any results, check for these eight symptoms you aren't really giving it your all. There is still plenty of time to make adjustments and reach the goals you desire.
Reasons you are Not Getting Results from Your Workout
1. You focus on problems rather than progress.
Stop and consider if this is a true plateau. Look back over the last few weeks – are you getting stronger? Making slightly better time? Going further? Have you gained strength? Lost a couple pounds or inches? It's possible you have been making progress but just didn't realize it.
If that is the case, start celebrating! Watch for these milestones, small as they may be, and reward yourself for the effort by acknowledging your gains or losses.
2. You are too competitive.
Are you judging your progress based on your own growth, or are you constantly comparing yourself to others? Unless you are training for the Olympics, you should not expect yourself to be the fastest or strongest in town. Instead, set personal goals and celebrate progress based on your own achievement, regardless of that of others.
3. You are not setting long-term goals.
Why are you in this to begin with? Are you training for a marathon, slimming down to a healthy BMI, or getting in shape for a sports team? Give yourself a measurable goal with an achievable deadline. This helps you work forward toward it and see progress over time.
4. You make inconsistent effort.
Are you really as faithful to that diet and exercise program as you think? Most diet failures are due to inaccurate food diaries – not truly accounting for the hidden calories or measuring portions carefully. Exercise progress is seen only with regular practice; don't skip days and then wonder why you aren't getting stronger. Before you give up, renew your commitment to staying consistent with your exercise and careful with your diet choices.
5. You are neglecting strength training.
Aerobic exercise isn't enough; you need to build strong muscles, as well. Be sure that strength training is a part of your workout routine. Those muscles will help you burn more calories even when you are at rest, and a stronger physique will help your endurance and stamina, as well.
6. You consume insufficient protein.
Your body uses protein to recover from workouts as well as to build strong, healthy muscle tissue. The more you workout, the more healthy protein you need to meet your needs. Be sure to eat a protein bar after workout and to include healthy protein choices in every meal and snack.
For more information about how to make the most of your workouts, check back each week for tips from Promax Nutrition.