Sometimes when I do accountability checkups I feel a little like Captain Jack looks over there. Confused.
When it comes to fitness, we can be our own worst enemy. We want to be healthy and look good, but routinely do things that are the opposite of those desires. Even worse, bad habits creep in and sabotage the fitness success of even the most driven of us. While it's normal to get off track at times, it's my job to provide the swift (and polite) kick in the pants to help you refocus. Check out the worst culprits of late and work on getting rid of those dream killers forever!
Bad Habit #1 - "A general, nebulous fitness plan or goal." Simply saying that you want to "get into shape" is not enough. You + No Plan + No Focus = Failure. And we don't want that, now do we? Aimlessly wandering around the gym or doing the same workout day in and day out, for instance, may be okay for general health, but it won't necessarily change your body or give you more strength and endurance. Think about what you really want to accomplish with your fitness program and focus your efforts in that direction. Need some guidance?
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Bad Habit #2 - "Inconsistency." Those "few missed workouts" here and chronic "bad" meals there add up in the negative direction. Sporadic periods of inactivity and uncontrolled eating habits won't give your body incentive to respond progressively. Training effects (as in more toned muscle, better endurance and less fat) develop over time and your body won't commit to changing if you don't give it regular positive stimulus. You also won't be burning the calories and body fat necessary for healthy change.
Bad Habit #3 - "An all or nothing mentality." Missing a workout or "cheating" on your healthy eating plan is not license to let things get out of hand. It also doesn't mean that you should punish yourself during your next workout or starve yourself either. Accept what you've done and get back to your program as soon as possible. Remember that the longer you let yourself slip, the more likely it is to develop into a negative habit. If time is an issue (as it often is during the holidays), it's better to do some of your workout than none at all simply because you can't get the whole routine in. If you're pressed for time, break it up into smaller increments. Do mini workouts over the course of the day, for instance. Even ten minutes of exercise can have tremendous effects on your bottom line. . . literally.
Bad Habit #4 - "Trying to do it all at once."It took time to gain weight and get out of shape, so it will take time for you lose the weight and get back in shape. Expecting instant miracles goes against general physiology principles and could leave you frustrated and injured in the long run. Resist the urge for instant gratification in favor of a lifetime of health. While it may be important for you to look good, you also want to
feel good and that requires learning to maintain the habits necessary for you to live better longer.
Bad Habit #5 - "Doing it alone." Whether you enlist the help of a fitness professional to guide your steps or find a workout buddy to help keep you focused, there's safety in numbers, as they say. Studies have shown that the more people you have on your side, the more likely you are to remain accountable and motivated. Develop your own cheering section by sharing your fitness intentions with people who have a positive influence on your life.
