There are a number of reasons why you may not be seeing results from your fitness routine. A primary factor, poor diet. You’ve heard the saying, “abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym.” This statement couldn’t be more accurate. No matter how often or how hard you train, if you fuel your body with greasy, sugary and high-in-fat food, you might as well have not gone to the gym to begin with. Your body will crave high protein foods and vegetables after a workout, and just because you’re eating healthy doesn’t mean you can’t make delicious meals!
No matter your workout preference, if you’re not challenging yourself you’re going to plateau and stop seeing results. Once the heavy weights become light and your three-mile run becomes a breeze, it’s time to turn your workout up a notch.
You have a fitness routine and you love it. Monday you work out your biceps, Tuesday chest, Wednesday back and so on. If you continue performing exercises in the same order, you are missing out on periodization. This refers to the periodic change in your workout regimen. Your body needs variety so that the muscles you work toward the end of the week have a chance to start fresh and not be fatigued. To overcome this challenge, change your routine every two to three weeks.
We know you’re dedicated to reaching your goals, and you’re working really hard. But, there is such a thing as over-doing-it. If you do not let your body get the appropriate rest it needs, your muscle fibers won’t be able to repair between workouts. This could increase your risk of injury and muscle failure, which can ultimately result in progress regression.
In the end, if you eat properly, rest often and alternate workout regimens, you will be closer to reaching your desired goal. Measure your progress by paying attention to how your clothes fit (do you fit in those skinny jeans?), taking pictures monthly to see muscle definition and to taking circumference measurements (abdomen, hips and thighs). You may want to consult a fitness trainer or physician if you find yourself unable to lose weight or suffer injuries.
