Why Your Fitness Plan Fails
By Sara Butler
Millions of Americans go to the gym each year in order to tone up and get healthy, but starting a new exercise routine can be tough. Even if you’ve started fitness routines in the past that have fizzled out, then you shouldn’t be afraid to start again. That’s because physical fitness is essential to your health and wellness. If you want to know why your past fitness plans have gone off the rails, then here are a few reasons why.
You Don’t Have a Plan
One of the first steps you must take in order to meet fitness goals is to have a plan. Just as with any other life change, you have to be ready to meet your goal or you’re never going to make it. Mentally prepare yourself with a plan that sets small, specific goals. Write these goals down – they don’t have to be complicated. In fact, they should be simple to start. Try walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes each morning or going to a yoga class three times per week. Then, think about what you need to do in order to make your plan work and write down the steps you need to take to make it happen.
Being a Negative Nellie
Motivation is essential to reach your goals, but negative self-talk will kill motivation quicker than you can say “Negative Nellie.” Lack of confidence in your ability to exercise combined with fatigue (because you’re not getting enough exercise) can keep you from sticking to your fitness regimen and meeting your goals. Hold yourself accountable by sharing your goals with those close to you. If you can find someone to join you in your pursuit of better health and fitness, the better -- you may even want to consider an exercise class or personal trainer. Recognize that it’s easy to psych yourself out and lose motivation, so you have to find a way to stay accountable.
You Don’t Manage Your Time
It’s easy to let work, errands, family, and other important tasks keep you from your workout. This is the most common reason for skipped workouts. While it’s not realistic to think you can make every single workout happen, you also must realize that skipping workouts is a slippery slope. You must make exercise a habit and if you skip it, then it can’t become a habit.
If you've tried to implement a fitness plan in the past and it failed, then don't give up. Just arm yourself with the knowledge you need to succeed!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.
