The Weight loss and Fitness training industries experience their highest surge of demand during the months of January and February. Its no coincidence that chief among New Year resolutions is the desire to either lose weight or get in better shape physically. However, there is a noticeable decline in gym memberships, fitness equipment sales and weight loss program enrolments as the year progresses. Why does all that enthusiasm and energy towards pursuing a healthier body and shedding excess pounds fizzle out as the year unravels? Well, in speaking to a lot of people I have discovered that there are 5 main reasons why people quit their fitness and weight loss programs. Below are the chief reasons and ways you can overcome them
Reason 1 – No Plan
You must have heard the statement ‘Failing to plan is planning to fail’ Well, this rings very true for your fitness training and weight loss program. The number one reason people abandon their exercise regimes is because they do not set out any structure, diet timetable, finances etc towards their intended goals. Before you begin your next fitness program, first of all decide what you want to achieve. Is it weight loss or a more toned figure? Then map out how you are going to achieve these goals. This will give you the motivation to keep going on those rainy and dark days when you feel like giving up.
Reason 2 -Lack of a Journal
While your progress might not seem apparent when you step onto the scale on Day 2 of your fitness program, the fact is progress has been made. This is another reason why people give up so soon on their fitness dreams. They finish a hard day at the gym plus starve themselves of their chocolate fix only to hit the scales and realize no weight has been loss. In some instances, weight gain could even be noted! This is only normal when you begin a fitness program. Keeping a journal to chart your progress will give you inspiration to continue at that turning point when most people give up. Just imagine yourself kicking back on Day 57, as you realize in amazement that over the past 8 weeks you have either lost 20 pounds, lifted an extra 30kg in your daily work out session or can now fit into that dress you wore as care-free teenager. Your journal should include a commentary on your daily workout sessions, weight, exercise variations, number of reps and goals towards your next workout.
Reason 3 – Outrageous Goals
Its been said that most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a year and underestimate what they can accomplish in a decade. This rings so true for most of our weight loss and fitness program goals. Some people want to go from barely being able to walk up a flight of stairs without fainting to running the London Marathon…in 4 weeks! Its just not going to happen. Set realistic and achievable goals and as you master each task you set yourself, you will feel an inner sense of pride that will inspire you to do more.
Reason 4 – No Fitness Training Partner
I think we can all relate to this. One of the main reasons we all desire to stay fit and get into great shape is for the attention we will get from family, friends and strangers. However the journey towards getting that body to die for can be a hard and lonely one. And without a partner to inspire and encourage you in moments of weakness, most of us abandon our weight loss or fitness training programs. That is why having a partner – either a spouse, friend or colleague to join you in your workout sessions can prove the difference between short term success or long term victory. Even being in the same room with other motivated people in a gym setting can do wonders for your personal commitment towards your own goals.
Reason 5 – Zero Fun Approach
Getting fit and doing exercises should be fun and not approached as a chore or punishment meted out by your worst high school teacher. Chill out. Inject some fun into your fitness program. You could wear a different color of gym clothes for different days of the week. Take a different path when you go jogging in the morning. Try mixing and matching the number of reps you do combined with heavier or smaller weights etc. The list is endless. Go ahead and find something new and exciting to add to your workout plan and avoid monotony like the plague. Workout sessions should be moments you look forward to and not dread.