Signs You Won't Conquer Your Fitness Goals
By Sara Butler
How many times have you set a new fitness goal for yourself, hit the gym with vigor, and then …fizzled out. While no one wants to fail, many people don’t reach their fitness goals because they think all they need is hard work and a little sweat to succeed, but it takes a long-term commitment. Here are a few signs that your fitness goals may not be reached, and how you can correct course to conquer your goals once and for all!
Failing Strategy No. 1: Doing Too Much, Too Quickly
It can be tempting to go all in when you start a new fitness program. The problem is that being too ambitious can drain you mentally as well as physically, making it difficult to stay motivated. Plus, you can set yourself up for injury if you go too hard, which will keep you from your exercise routine too.
To fix it, set realistic fitness goals for yourself. These goals must work with your current fitness level and your lifestyle as well. Think about what you can sustain in the long term and forget any quick fixes. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Healthy habits need to last a lifetime, after all.
Failing Strategy No. 2: You Overcommit
When you’re feeling really motivated at the beginning, committing to the gym seven days a week may seem like a great idea. Over time, not so much. It’s so important to give your body rest days -- and your mind along with it!
Remember, you don’t need to exercise every day to get results. If you don’t think you can keep up with the pace you set, then pull back just a bit. You’re more likely to stick to your plan that way.
Failing Strategy No. 3: Expecting Unrealistic Results
It can take a while to see results from all your hard work at the gym. Any strategy that promises a quick and easy fix isn’t a good strategy for the long term. Just remember that with a little hard work and dedication over time, you will meet your goals. You must honestly assess if your goals are realistic and if they’re not, change them to goals that are. And don’t forget to reward yourself for your little victories along the way -- it’ll help to keep you going.
You can be successful with your fitness goals.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Englewood, Colo.