Stick to your Fitness Goals!

I dread this time of the year because the gyms are jam-packed no matter what time you go in(and I go between 5-8am). Don't get me wrong, I love that people want to get back in shape - I just hate that most will give up on their goals by the end of the first month of their membership...

Stick to it!

It sometime takes years to get overweight. Then why are we expecting to be back in shape in just a few days? Give yourself at least 3 months to see any sorts of meaningful progress. Here are a few tips for you:

• It starts with a goal. The goal needs to be detailed. Make it realistic, set a deadline for it and remember to review the results weekly to determine progress and make the necessary adjustments to achieve it.
• Learn the difference between fat and muscle weight. Remember that muscle weight more than fat. Do research on BMI and be sure to include that in your calculation for weight lost/gains.
• The diet is everything.I said it before ... you can't outwork a bad diet. Sure, you will still get some results when you workout with a bad diet but not as much, or as fast, as you would with a diet that support your fitness goals.
• Give it your all! Working out is not just about lifting a set of weight 30 times and calling it a day. You're not just going in to put a check-mark on some worksheet checklist. You're working out because you have a goal. You're working out because you're tired of how things are today. You want change - prove it!
• Mix it up. On the bodybuilding scene, there's something called "muscle memory" which is basically your body being accustomed to the workout you're doing to the point where you're barely getting any results from them anymore. When you feel like you've plateaued, change your workout a bit. Add more weights, do different machines ... anything to surprise your body and force it to adjust. It will also keep you interested for longer.
• Join a class. The gym is a wonderful place to meet people with similar goals as you. You are more likely to stay on track when you have an entourage that is working towards the same thing as you. Join a class, get a fitness body. Be accountable to someone.
• It takes time. Be at peace with that. You will feel like you're dying for a bit and you won't see any results - but changes are happening. Give it time. It may of took you years to get in the shape that you got - you will not change that overnight.
• Learn about fitness. We are interested in the things that we know. Learn about fitness and all of it's intricacies to keep you engage. Read magazines/blog/books - checkout some online videos.
• Make it fun! To me, working out is a game. Can I lift more today than I did last week? Will I meet my buddy, Jerry, again at the gym?

Stick to it. Remember, you paid for that membership. Might as well use it to the fullest.