How to Beat 3 Common Fitness Failures
“If you were in charge of the fitness industry, what would you change?”
It’s a question that doctors, trainers, and even the government has tried to address with varying degrees of success. Ultimately, no one has succeeded at finding the change that sparks a domino effect of positive change.
In assessing the typical problem areas, I’ve decided that the devil isn’t in the details. It’s the bigger picture that’s causing the most damage. If we are truly to make a change for the better, here are three problems that need to be addressed.
Clients complain about trainers. Trainers criticise clients. The media attacks exercise and finds the “dangers” involved in every type of activity. And even trainers and nutritionists routinely fight with one another.
The fitness industry needs more examples of exercises done right, programs that work, trainers and nutritionists who are great at what they do.
It might seem like a subtle shift and insignificant. But the psychology of fitness is just as important as the physiology.
People are too dogmatic with their health and fitness practices. It’s great that people are passionate. I support that commitment completely. But when passion becomes dogma that unfairly (or inappropriately) criticises people who don’t follow a set of “rules,” it becomes black eye for the industry.
The problem? The one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work for everyone. There’s variation, experimentation and personalization that must occur at every level of any diet or exercise program. This is no different than saying, “Performing 10 reps per set is the only way you can build muscle.” We know that’s not true, just as we know that many diets — and personalised variations of those plans — can be successful.
What’s more important is focusing on the good habits and the lessons you can learn from science and real life experience.
I don’t have time to exercise
Healthy food is too expensive
I can’t afford a trainer.
A big reason why so many people fail to see results is that they don’t believe that they can change their health. Or they have built-in excuses that they use as a scapegoat when changes don’t occur.
Want to train but don’t have time? Then do a 10 to 15 minute workout. Research shows that short bursts of exercise can help you be lean and healthy.
Think you can’t afford a good diet? I know that I always spend more money — and eat worse foods — when I’m not cooking in my own home and using great ingredients.
Trainers can be great, but if you can’t afford them, then find a reputable resource that offers workouts by some of the best experts in the industry. Use their workouts as the foundation of your better body plan, whether you prefer lifting weights, running, or cycling.
The more you give, the more you will receive. It’s a simple rule that applies to so many things in life, and it could be exactly what’s needed to change the health game for the better.
Some might say it won’t happen. But then again, we no longer accept excuses.