You know what is frustrating? Working out and not really seeing any results from it. You are definitely not alone. Too many of us have been frustratingly hammering away at our fitness goals, putting in all our best efforts, and still not hitting our targets. Sometimes, the problem boils down to some common missteps that end up sidetracking your progress. Below, we will discuss these pitfalls and offer real actions to help one get back on track.
Unrealistic Expectations Without Tracking Progress
The enthusiasm for the new workout program can lead an individual to set overambitious, unrealistic goals. However, without a proper tracking mechanism, such goals often wallow in despair. An individual who sets specific measurable goals and tracks them at regular intervals is much more likely to succeed in reaching their target or goal of fitness than one who does not, per APA. Out of that, as much as 42% of all people give up on their good fitness intentions already within the first month; most likely because of unrealistic expectations and the lack of progress control.
Solution:
Setting up realistic goals and viewing them as a way to track your progress will help you steer clear of this pitfall. The planner, as one has seen previously, will keep a record of your routine, thus keeping you keen and organized. By making a mark of each workout, you will be able to monitor what you are achieving over a certain time. It gives you the possibility to celebrate small victories and correspondingly correct measures; thus, motivation doesn’t get lost in the process.
Recommendation:
The Bodyweight Home Workout Journal
Track your fitness journey with this 13-week planner that requires no supplies. This journal is appropriate for all fitness levels and will keep you motivated and on track with workouts in the style of pyramids.
Inconsistent Routine
Another common problem is the inconsistency of routine. Planning can become quite time-consuming, and sticking to the same routine can become tedious, which leads to a lack of motivation. Variety in exercise routine was found to enhance motivation and adherence to a fitness program by much that was published in the Journal of Sports Sciences. Meanwhile, about 60% of people reported losing interest in workouts due to repetitive routines and lack of variety.
Solution:
Spice it up and add a bit of spontaneity on the inside to keep the workouts interesting. Make use of workout exercise cards or random exercise dice. This does not only save you time with the planning; it also exposes you to new exercises so that your journey remains both fresh and fun.
Recommendation:
Best 100+ Bodyweight Exercise Cards Perfect at Home Workout
Keep fitness fun and flexible with Bodyweight Exercise Cards made by a doctor of physical therapy. These cards allow you to transform any space into your gym with 100 exercises. Great for quick, mini-workouts, these cards are perfect for any level and add some fun to your daily workout.
You won’t get bored with SPRI Exercise Dice. It lets you freshen up your routine by rolling the dice for a mix of exercises and reps, making fitness fun and expected. Great for groups or solo chisel sessions, these dice turn working out into a game. Never get tired of squats, push-ups, wildcards, and more exercises!
Overtraining or Skipping Warm-Up and Cool-Down
Overtraining and failure to warm up and cool down properly can significantly set back your progress. The American Council on Exercise says that actually a proper warm-up and cool-down are critical to avoiding injury and performing at peak levels. An incredible 55% of gym injuries recorded by Sports Health were because of either improper warm-up or overtraining.
Solution:
Take care of your body, get enough rest, and warm up and cool down after exercising. There are a number of tools such as foam rollers and resistance bands which help ease exercise strains and aid recovery time.
Recommendation:
5 in 1 Foam Roller Set
The 5 in 1 Foam Roller Set is just perfect for reducing muscle soreness and aiding an increase in flexibility. Basically, this versatile set comprises a high-density foam roller, muscle roller stick, massage ball, and stretching band—all in one portable mesh bag. The product is quite good for fitness and athletic enthusiasts, as it will help you recover faster and perform better anywhere, anytime.
Fitness progress doesn’t happen in a day, and it is normal to hit bumps along the way. Setting, at the same time, realistic expectations will help us maintain variance and routine along with proper warm-ups and cool-downs for activities, which go a long way in preventing common pitfalls that could stop you from being on course toward your goals. Don’t allow yourself to get discouraged by this; adapt your approach and use the right tools to keep moving forward.
