It takes a lot of time and effort to build up the motivation to visit the gym, and we all know that it’s not the cheapest membership in the world, either. So if you’re going to invest in yourself and spend time working out, then it’s important that you’re getting the most bang for your buck, the biggest return on your investment. Alas, this isn’t always the case. People can visit the gym multiple times a week, and not see any progress whatsoever. Why so? We take a look at five reasons below.
Source: Pexels.com
You’re Not Pushing Yourself
Simply being in the gym isn’t enough. You have to work when you’re there, and we don’t mean just work up a light sweat. We mean really push yourself! There’s a quote from an ex-Marine who says, quite rightly, that people only work to 40% of their potential. When they get a little bit tired, they give up. Be aware of this limit, and remove it. If you’re going to the gym, then you want to leave having worked up a sweat. If you can go home and get away with not taking a shower, you’ve not worked hard enough.
You’re Doing Too Much
Conversely, there is also the danger of working too much. Some people have unrealistic goals! If you aim to lose weight, then you can’t just smash the treadmill for two hours at a time. Your body will stop losing the inches pretty quickly, and you’ll hit a plateau. To get into shape, you need to have a range of exercises in your regime. Don’t just focus on one area, because you won’t improve as much as you’d like on its own.
After Workout Food
There are three stages to the gym. The before, the during, and the after. Before means eating an energising snack so you can work hard. During means giving it your all. After? That’s more than a shower. It’s about managing your food to make the most of your efforts. If you’re looking to gain mass, then protein bars should be a staple in your cupboard. They’ll give you all the protein you need to build muscle after a tough workout. If you’re losing weight, don’t work out and then avoid eating – that approach won’t help you, in the short- or long-term!
You Don’t Know What You’re Doing
If you’ve just joined a gym, it’s worthwhile working with a personal trainer. They can create a regime that’ll help you to reach your goals. If you don’t, you’ll just be walking blind, from one machine to the next, hoping that everything will one day click. Remove the guesswork and have someone who knows what they’re doing help you along the way.
Cheat Days
Finally, those cheat days. Going to the gym is one aspect of an all-around healthy lifestyle. It doesn’t give you permission to do whatever you want! Avoid those indulgent meals, don’t spend all your time on the couch, and you’ll be on the right track.
Leave a Reply