Let’s face it, at some point in our lives (usually on New Year’s Day) we decide to make a healthy change in our lives. While making the plan is the first (and a great) step, sometimes we seem to fall short of our goals and can’t seem to place why we aren’t getting as fit and strong as we would like to be. Here are five reasons why your workout is just not cutting it!
1. You’ve stepped up the exercise, but not the diet.
Exercise is a key component to becoming fit, but even more so is what you are putting into your body to fuel it. If you continue to eat unhealthily, whether that be with unhealthy snacks, fried foods, or huge portions, you will not be seeing any results from your workouts. While you don’t have to cut out all of your favorite foods, it is important to eat everything in moderation, and to also up your intake of fruit and vegetables! It will be a harder adjustment at first, but stick to it and it will become habit!
2. You’re just going through the motions.
Exercising is great, but if you aren’t breaking a sweat or feeling out of breath, you probably aren’t working out hard enough to make a change. Just going through the motions of exercise will not get you any closer to seeing changes to your body. That being said, everyone needs rest days, so don’t push yourself too hard when your muscles need a chance to recover every so often!
3. You’re only focusing on one part of your body.
We all strive for toned stomachs, strong arms, and lean legs, but when you choose to only focus on one of those areas every day, that won’t work. You have to engage your whole body in exercises to fully see a change. Cardio will help you to burn fat all over your body, while weights and resistance exercise will help to tone your muscles. Doing crunches alone will not get you a flatter stomach!
4. You’re doing the exact same exercises every day.
While you may feel like you’ve gotten a routine down, sometimes it’s good for your body to switch it up, and not get stuck in a rut of always doing the same exercises. Plus, that can get totally boring! Instead of always using the treadmill, try the elliptical or a stationary bike, and instead of doing sit ups try mountain climbers or planks.
5. You haven’t been working out long enough.
Sometimes, it has nothing to do with us, it’s just that progress takes time. You won’t see results right away and that is okay. All good things take time and dedication. So don’t worry if you aren’t seeing results right away, keep working hard and progress will happen!
Keep sweating, Gauchos!