Healthy living and fitness is one very important aspect of human life. It’s importance cannot be overly stated, it is tied to every human’s plans and aspiration, whether they know so or not. As humans, it’s in our nature to want the finer things in life, to reach for love, acceptance and greatness and ignore the fundamental part of attaining them. Without good health, one cannot actualize any little or huge goals, so it is only wise to prioritize it.
In these Post-Covid times, where most professional, societal and educational engagements have largely moved from in-person meetings to remote ones, keeping and being fit has without a doubt gotten more difficult in comparison to previous years, and so interested individuals seeking to kickstart or continue their fitness journey tend to fall into common traps that could affect the success of their goals.
These are ten (10) common issues that could stop you from achieving your fitness goals.
1) Not Starting
This is the first issue that could ruin your fitness goals before it even begins- Not admitting to yourself or being aware that you need it. You cannot make an improvement in your health life unless you actually begin. It has to be a conscious decision, one you make by not only fantasizing or drooling at your favorite ripped celebrity and hoping to one day have that dreamy body but actually walking towards that nearby fitness center, registering and getting started.
2) Procastination
Yes, this is the one we rarely talk about but most undeniably suffers from. The ‘’I’ll do it tomorrow’’ syndrome is a very huge mental roadblock that could mar your fitness goals if not duly addressed. Don’t postpone, do it today.
3) Not Having A Schedule
Just like every facet of life, you need to have a plan before you can be successful in your fitness journey. You have to consider your days of availability, go into your fitness journey with the days of the week in which you’ll be able to show up. Some train daily, others are comfortable with a 2-3 days a week schedule. Find what works for you and stick by it. It would help you loads.
4) Poor Hydration
Most people only drink water when they’re thirsty, yes, don’t smile and look away, you’re probably guilty of this too. You need to stay hydrated at all times of the day, the importance of taking regular water breaks before, during and after training cannot be over emphasized. Take a minimum of 2-7 glasses of water every day, that would do your fitness goals a world of good.
5) Pre- Workout Meal
Yes, I know you want to burn as many calories as possible but another important aspect of achieving your fitness goal is actually consuming some meal before the start of your work out. You most certainly do not want to start your workout on an empty stomach and risk dizziness. You need to eat like 90 minutes before you start your workout and the absence of that could be one of the reasons why your fitness journey isn’t bearing tangible fruits so far.
6) The Right Fitness Gears
Wearing the right fitness gears is one often underrated albeit important part of your fitness journey. A sturdy hand glove for weightlifting, comfortable running shoes and a light top and track suit could make a load of difference. You doubt it? Well picture yourself in a sweaty gym, in a bulky t-shirt and jeans and tell me if you would be able to compare that level of discomfort to the sporting outfits mentioned above….. no comparison right, yeah, exactly.
7) Dedication, Consistency and Perseverance
It’s common knowledge that to achieve anything worthwhile in life one has to implement a high degree of dedication, consistency and willingness to go the long haul. If you want to achieve your fitness goals, burn those embarrassing calories and look summer ready you need to be ready to work hard for it, show up every single day and learn not only how to deal with the pain but to embrace it, cherish it, love it. The absence of these factors in most people are common albeit major pitfalls for not being able to achieve their fitness goals.
8) Balance
Like everything important in life you need balance if you hope to be successful in achieving your fitness goals. You need to be willing to pay equal attention to working on every part of your body, not just focusing on one and ignoring the others. You should pay as much attention on cardio (walking , jogging, running) as you do weight training. Don’t prioritize one over the other or you could be left with an uneven figure.
9) Addiction to Junk Food
One of the major pitfalls in one’s fitness journey is dieting. A sweet tooth can ruin your workout goals if you over-indulge on it. You need to learn to reduce your intake of junk food and focus on more nutritional, healthy meal plans. Yes, instead of taking that chocolate to bed, eat fruits, vegetables and a whole meal every once in a while.
10) Setting Unrealistic Goals
Every individual is different and likewise have different journeys in life, your fitness journey is no different. So many factors play a pivotal role in this journey, from genetics, to physical attributes (strength, background and conditioning), so it would be wise not to fall into the trap of setting unrealistic goals by comparing yourself to the next person. Yeah, your workout buddy lost 20 pounds in two weeks and you lost a measly five so you feel discouraged…. Don’t. Set realistic goals and know that your fitness journey is that, a journey not a sprint.
There are no foolproof ways to attain your required fitness goals but these aforementioned pitfalls could undoubtedly ruin your goals if you don’t pay attention towards them, so pay attention to them. Your favorite celebrities with their seemingly perfect bodies were not born with it, they worked on it, if they can, why not you?.