Making the Change

So many people enter a gym or fitness club day in and day out, yet they see little to no changes in their weight, physique,  and/or strength. Some may see a little change, but not to the extent they were hoping. This usually lands a cancellation form being filled out a couple months later... This makes me sad, don't cancel your membership because you aren't seeing the results you wanted to see. Instead, let's find out why you aren't seeing any results.

Chances are there is something lacking from your lifestyle change. More often than not, it is the nutrition that needs some major help, but I touch on that subject all the time. Today, we are talking about the changes you need to make in your fitness routine.

Here are a couple questions you need to ask yourself:

1) Have I consistently been going to the gym at least 4 days a week for the past couple months?

2) Have I changed the exercises I'm doing at the gym in past couple weeks or at all?

3) Have I ever touched a free weight or do I stick to the machines I know?

4) Have I ever touched a weight at all or do I stick to only cardio?

5) Have I ever gotten sore?

6) Am I sweating when I leave the gym?

7) Am I working out with a purpose and plan?

8) Does my gym experience make me happy?

If you have answered NO to one or more of these questions, you will never reach your goals because you are just going through the motions. Don't misunderstand my point here, every little bit counts. If you are getting to the gym twice a week instead of sitting on your butt at work or home, that is awesome!! Don't stop! BUT, this is not how you lose weight, lower your blood pressure, prevent osteoporosis, decrease lower back pain, sleep better, and see those results you were hoping for. 

So where do you start? My first piece of advice, seek professional help. Contrary to popular belief, Personal Trainers are not a luxury, they are a means to better health. Just like going to a Doctor for a medical issue, a personal trainer is there for a physical issue. They can help get you on the right track with the right exercise routine so you aren't coming into the gym blind. 

Make sure you do your research on the trainers that are available to you. What are their credentials, are they busy, how many years have they been training, and will they help you with nutrition (Coming Soon: How to find the personal trainer that is right for you)? 

Second, try something new. What classes are available at your gym? My favorite addition to my fitness routine is Yoga. I freaking love yoga!! It can be as hard or as easy as you make it. If you have any sort of stress, aches, stiffness, or tight muscles, I highly suggest taking yoga. If cardio is hard for you to get through because it's boring, try a Zumba or Kickboxing class. Both are high energy, fun, and offer a whole body cardio butt kicking session. Gyms all over the country have so many great fitness classes to get you out of your comfort zone and offer something new, fun, and different.

Most importantly, don't give up.... Ever. Because giving up means you will never make a better and healthier life for yourself. Every little bit counts. Stay on this healthy lifestyle wagon and enjoy the ride:-)