Workout Pride

When your workout is all said and done, congratulate yourself! I unfortunately find that too many people today are way too hard on themselves. They incorrectly think that they should see immediate results from their efforts.

Yes, it's only natural that you desire those results. After all, you are sweating and panting and what's with all that painful burning in your muscles! But I preach patience.

I understand that today's society demands instant results. We see that special product in the store window when we are browsing the mall. You want it now. So you go in the store, swipe the plastic, and wala, now it's yours. I see people who approach fitness in the same manner, and sadly they are setting themself up for ultimate failure.

I always remind them that it didn't take a night, or a few weeks, or even a few months to get to where they are now. Similarly, it won't take a shorter amount of time to correct the issue.

Knowing this simple advice and following this it the letter will save you countless hours of worry and heartache going forward.

I worked with a woman once who was so upset at herself she actually broke down on me, in the middle of her workout, and began to cry. My heart goes out to her and others who may find themself in a similar situation.

Once she splashed some water on her face, and took a few (a lot) deep breaths, I sat her down and questioned her belief in all of this "fitness stuff".

I asked her what her expectations were and how committed she was to exercise. I wanted to know how fast she was realistically expecting to see some noticeable results.

Through a few more deep breaths, she said she was looking for faster results because she was doing more.

Coming in every day of the week to exercise it didn't really matter if it was with me or not. She aggressively climbed on the elliptical machines, and treadmills, used the various circuits that we offered, took multiple fitness classes, and even did additional workouts at home when she couldn't come into the gym on a particular day. There was absolutely no questioning her commitment!

While her heart was in the right spot, (I couldn't fault her for trying) her realistic expectations were what was eating at her. She thought that the harder she pushed and the more calories she burned, the faster she would see results, and the inches would disappear.

This is not always the case, as the body dislikes change and could really care less if you are looking to lose weight.

Instead of focusing on the negatives, think of the positives and think for the long-term. Think of all the good your exercise does that you cannot physically see. Your heart thanks you doesn't it? And your cholesterol, and blood pressure are equally appreciative.

You need to approach fitness as a never ending trip. There is always something that you could work on or work on to make even better.

But the main thing that I believe slows a lot of people down (even makes some give up totally) is a lack of focus and a short range goal. Look at where you are now and where you would like to be. Determine what it is going to take to get there and realistically think of how long it may take.

The important thing to remember here is not to become discouraged. If your goal is to lose 30 pounds, and you can work out only two days per week, don't think you are going to lose that weight in two weeks.

Keep your eye on the prize, as they say in the sports world, and make sure that you keep that drive alive by providing yourself with mini-goals and rewards along the way.

If you know this information and follow it consistently, rest assured you are light years ahead of nearly 95 percent of your exercise counterparts.

Comments

[Paul Landis]

Troy,What a great article. I especially liked the mention of "lack of focus & a short range goal". Also the comments "mini goals & rewards along the way". I feel so much more fortunate than others to have you to help me along th way!

[Libby Wescombe]

I really liked this article...it's all so true and I do appreciate your blog and glean a lot from it being an aspiring personal trainer myself... ;-D Thanks for all the good posts.