Do you feel like you spend all day at the gym, only to realize that you accomplished nothing?
Although you may work out frequently, if you’re lacking in any of the following key areas, you’re not getting the most out of your workouts. We’ve nailed down four key areas that may be prohibiting you from getting the results that you want.
What’s the point of putting all of that time and effort into working out when you’re not getting anything out of it? See if any of these describe you. If they all do, you might be in big trouble! The first step is admitting there’s a problem. After you pinpoint your weaknesses, you can turn them into strengths.
One way to reach your goals is to sign up for an Exercise.com PRO membership. When you go PRO, you have access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, training logs, and more. Go PRO today.
#1. You Don’t Have Specific Goals
What are you working out for? If you want to “look good,” what does that mean? Do you have reasons for doing the exercises that you’re doing? Do you plan on getting a rock-hard six-pack just by doing hundreds of crunches every day? Want to get ripped? Maybe you need to leave the bench press alone for a while, and mix in some time with kettlebells.
Want to gain mass? Find a quality workout plan, pack in your daily calories, and put in a lot of work! Want to just be fit and healthy? Mix up your workouts!
If you’re heading into the gym without knowing what you want to get out of that day’s effort, you need to re-think your game plan, which leads us to #2.
#2. You Don’t Plan Your Workouts or Stick to the Plan
Many people choose to hire a personal trainer for their workout routine since personal trainers are the experts of the fitness world. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to hire a personal trainer to get the exact same results. Now, we don’t mean to undermine personal trainers: a great trainer can design a plan for you, and motivate you to get you in the best shape of your life.
What that being said, you know your body better than any personal trainer ever could. Study your body, do some research, and decide which areas you would like to improve.
Create a plan (or meet with a trainer to come up with a plan) that would improve the areas that need enhancement the most; then, follow through with that plan.
It’s not hard to understand that you’re going to have to put some effort in if you want to get fit. Whether you want to transform your body on your own, or need a trainer to keep you going, find a plan that fits your lifestyle, and get to work! Planning your workouts is half the battle. Once that’s taken care of, it’s up to you to maximize your results by giving 100% every workout.
Get More Out of Your Exercises. Go PRO!
Sign Up
#3. You Don’t Treat Your Body Right Outside of the Gym
When a workout specialist chooses a diet for their clients, you will most often see a low carbohydrate and high protein diet on the menu. Although carbohydrates make up for the majority of our foods today, you’re going to need protein to help your body sustain the workout that will build your muscles to their fullest potential.
Your body needs the carbs for fuel to attack those workouts with energy, and it needs protein to aid in recovery. What you really need to avoid is anything that is over-processed.
Also, remember to rest in between each and every workout session. Your body must have the same amount of time to build and repair muscle tissue that it takes to strain them to the point of being built. In other words, do not work out the same muscles every day. Take at least one day of rest for your different muscle groups so they can rebuild properly.
#4. You Don’t Have the Mental Strength
Whether your goal is bodybuilding or to create a lean look, it’s going to take plenty of work.
Your body can handle so much more than you think is possible. Next time you feel your arms burning and think you have to stop, try pounding out a few more reps. If you give up as soon as your workout gets difficult, you’re missing out on the majority of the benefits.
Creating a plan that you are able to follow through with is the most important step to ensuring guaranteed success. As mentioned, this is why many people hire personal trainers to plan their workouts and help guide them to success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days a week should I exercise?
Three to five workouts a week is recommended for best results.
How do I create my own workout plan?
You can either sign up for an Exercise.com PRO membership or enlist the help of a personal trainer!
What should I do on my rest days?
Sleep, hydrate, eat well, foam roll, and engage in enjoyable movement.
Become your own personal trainer, and create a plan for your workout routine by going PRO and utilizing our workout builder. Sign up for PRO today.