I was recently inspired to post this info because all of my clients are so amazing and they know what it takes to achieve their fitness goals. You know who you are 🙂 You show up and train hard, no matter what. My hat is off to you because in all of my years in the fitness industry doing 1-on-1 and group exercise one thing has remained: Those who find the motivation and self discipline to deny themselves the option to make excuses will always reap the benefits. My people do that and I couldn’t be more proud. You are the reason I do what I do. You are the reason I’m excited when I wake up in the morning.
keep on pressing:
Let’s face it, you’re going to have a set back once in a while, or a particular challenge, or a reason to miss an appointment. But that’s never a reason to lose your momentum. If your goal is weight loss and something always interrupts your progress or you’re training to get stronger and there’s always something in the way – that something is You. The good news is You can change with proper planning and the desire to form new and positive habits. Those clients who seem to always stay on track no matter what life throws their way are the ones who understand the importance of momentum. Staying focused on your goals and continuing to work hard to meet and exceed those goals should be a habit, a way of living.
3 step method from a personal trainer:
As a Fitness Professional with a background in Personal Training, Boot Camp Instructing, Partner Training, Corporate Wellness and Health Club Management I can tell you that I’ve heard every excuse in the book. With my clients I have a simple 2 step system for dealing with this. BTW I should tell you that this method had worked for countless people with all types of health and fitness goals. It absolutely will work for you if you genuinely want it to. How bad do you want to change?
Step 1: Grab a pen and some paper. Make a list of every single obstacle that could potentially stand in the way of your fitness success. This includes reasons for missing your workouts and reasons you might not follow your nutrition program….go ahead, do that and then we’ll continue.
Step 2: Alright, so you’ve written down all of the set backs and problems that might come up. I hope you were honest and detailed with your list. No what I want you to do is find another color pen. Great, no the next step is to go back through your list and write the solution for every obstacle. Simple right?
Step 3: Repeat your excuses/solutions list to yourself out loud twice daily for at least 30 days.
By writing down each obstacle and then solving the problem ahead of time you’ve effectively rearranged your self sabotage part of your brain (no offense, we all have it). You’ve erased potential excuses before you can even make them. This is essentially a planning exercise. Proper planning is where most people go wrong, that’s been the case with almost everyone who has failed to meet their fitness and dieting goals.
sample list:
I might have to work late // I will join a flexible or unlimited boot camp program
I’m so stressed after work I won’t want to work out // I will look forward to destressing at boot camp
It’s hard to wake up early to go to my training session // I will go to bed a little earlier so I’m well rested and ready for training
I don’t have enough energy to exercise // I know that if I stick to my program regularly my body will start to buzz with extra energy
I’m on the road a lot, it’s hard to eat right – // I will pack healthy meals and snacks for my time on the road
I really like some foods that aren’t good for me // I’ll look forward to my planned cheat day and reward myself
It is important for you to remember that in may studies over the years exercise has been proven to be an outstanding method of combating depression and low energy levels. Those are no longer excuses to avoid exercise. They are reasons to do it!
Best of luck!
Jed Miller