Alright, so I hope you’ve been able to digest reasons 1 through 5 from the previous blog post .  Some of these reasons may seem harsh for some, but it may also be the wake up call you’ve been needing in order to start seeing results from your fitness program.

Let’s not waste any more time and get through five more possible reasons that may be impeding your progress.

6) You need to de-stress

Life is extremely hectic, and stressful nowadays. Everyone could use a break from the hustle and bustle of it all.  These stressors take a much larger toll on our body than we think, and causes fat storing stress hormones to bathe in our system.

Engaging in de-stressing activities such as light yoga, meditation, or walks in the park or beach by yourself or with loved ones.  Sometimes you may even need to take a one or two day vacation from it all.  The short getaways help your mind and body rejuvenate and relieve you from stress.

De-stressing is not only good for you, but for your family as well.  Family and friends can always tell when one is stressed and it affects them too.  So do what you can to take care of yourself and alleviate unnecessary stress.  You’ll be glad you did.

7) You don’t have enough attitude

You don’t have enough “oomph” when you’re in “workout mode”.  Let’s take what’s easily the number one fitness goal, “losing belly fat”.  If this is your goal, well then, you need to take an all out war approach, because if you don’t, your body fat WILL win every time.

Most people think, “Oh, that person lost it in just a few weeks, so it shouldn’t be that hard for me too”.  If someone truly lost a significant amount of body fat it in a few weeks without surgery, AND they’re keeping it off, it’s more than likely they declared “Battle with the Bulge”.

Losing stubborn body fat is not easy.  The process on paper seems easy, but it takes an unwavering focus to get it done.  Look, if you’re struggling with losing body fat, you have to remember it took you months to years to put your body in that position.

So get a little more intense with your overall program, create vision boards for added motivation and hang them in your office or in your home where it always serves as a reminder for what you’re working towards.  Put together workout music that’s going to move you and help you get through your workout with intensity.

Everyone has an inner warrior in them, so find a way to tap into that warrior and I guarantee you’ll feel more vibrant, vital, and alive and your fitness goals will no longer feel like your trying to scale the Great Wall of China.

You don’t have social support

How many times have you tried to do something alone that would have been much easier if you had the help of a team or a “cheerleading section?” As I mentioned earlier, it’s important to follow through on the commitments you made to yourself. It’s your responsibility to do what you can to ensure your success, and that includes creating a social network of supporters.

Sit down with your family and explain to them why you’re doing what you’re doing. Ask for their support and encouragement. Join an online forum with whom you can share your victories and challenges and from whom you can get the encouragement you need. Join a boot camp or fitness class to surround yourself with other health and fitness-minded people.

If you’re serious about achieving your goals, try to spend high quantities of time with only those people who will support you.

9) You’re not having fun

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, right? I enjoy working out, but I understand that there are tons of you out there that don’t. And having to do something on a regular basis that doesn’t sound like any fun can definitely lead to poor follow-through, lack of effort, and lack of results.

What would make your fitness program fun for you? Try incorporating activities that you enjoy such as swimming, dancing, hiking, etc. Get a workout buddy to not only hold you accountable, but to also make it more enjoyable. Listen to your favorite tunes to pump you up.

If you’re working with a trainer, make sure you talk about this with him or her. They should be open to changing things up to make it more fun for you.

10) You don’t reward yourself

Sticking to a fitness plan isn’t easy. All that hard work, and never giving yourself a pat on the back can be very discouraging. It’s like when you spent hours on your book report in the third grade and didn’t even get a gold star on your paper. Were you motivated to try hard again for the next paper?

I don’t think so.

Reward yourself for a job well done. After a week or two of following through, treat yourself to something special like a manicure or a movie. You can even reward yourself with a moderate portion of your favorite dessert or snack.

Treat yourself to big rewards like a new power tool or a day at the spa for reaching significant milestones like dropping to a certain dress size or measurement. And give yourself a huge, reward for reaching your ultimate fitness goal.

Some people go on their dream vacation or buy themselves a car! You get the idea.

Give kudos to yourself. You deserve it!

Till next time…

- Rommel