Yes Ladies, you did it. You took the first step to adopting to a healthier lifestyle by deciding what your fitness goals are going to be.
I want you to take a minute and congratulate yourself for passing this first hurdle. Trust me, this is an achievement on its own.
However, while you are congratulating yourself I want you to remember that this is just the first step in a long journey that is only about to start. Believe me, this is going to be tough, it will require dedication, lifestyle changes, and a whole lot of patience.
But I know you can do this. You are in control.
Do you need to do all of it at once? No, not at all. This journey has to be slow and steady. Focus on the small changes that you will be able to sustain and not overwhelm yourselves by taking on too much, too soon.
I say this because you don’t want this to be a short term change in your life. You want this to stay with you. You want to be healthy for your entire life.
One mistake that I have seen many women make is that they are too focused on the short term goals, and this can hamper their progress. It might work at that time but you won’t be able to sustain this and eventually all you effort might go to waste.
These factors may not seem like much. However, they play an impactful role in really derailing your fitness goals, so you must really be careful when you are working to achieve your fitness goals.
Factor #1 – Taking On Too Much, Too Soon
I have noticed that when most ladies start off, they want to get that amazing body as quickly as possible and try and take on too much, too soon. They workout everyday, completely change their diets and are expecting results to show immediately.
Yes, you want to measure your progress. We all want to get that amazing body. We do, but working out everyday and completely changing your diet is not really a good idea. In fact, it’s better to start slower. Start with workouts every other day, and don’t be afraid to use modifications when your body tells you it needs them.
I mean, would you be running a marathon on the first day? No, then why should your workouts be any different.
Similarly, you cannot just change your diet entirely and expect your body to adapt to it quickly. Your body will need a moment to adjust to a different way of eating and be sure no matter what your new diet is that you are getting all of the nutrients and vitamins that your body requires.
Factor #2 – Focusing Only On Calories
It’s a good idea to understand the calories equation because the principle will always remain the same. If you want to lose weight, then you will need to burn more calories than you are consuming, and the same applies for those trying to add weight. You must take in more than your body will burn.
However, one thing I have noticed and ladies I want you to understand this too that this is easier said than done and the calorie count is going to be different for every person. And your bodies have certain nutritional requirements that are not going to be fulfilled with only calories. You need healthy carbs, fibers, fats – all in all, your diet needs to have a balance of all in order for you to continue striving towards your fitness goals and be able to maintain a healthy body.
Factor #3 – Getting Comfortable
The basic rule to understand whenever you are aiming for a fitness goal is that you cannot get comfortable.
What do I mean?
When you start working out, your body is not familiar with it and will react to this new thing that you have introduced to it. You can’t get comfortable, you cannot be doing the same exercises, same sets, same reps all the time.
What I am saying is that, you need to mix things up so that you are always improving on your current physical condition. There is a saying of muscle confusion, where you aren’t letting your body get comfortable and always keep it guessing. Work different areas, at different reps, weights, exercises, but all within the realm of what is right for you and your body.
Factor #4 – Age and Weight
It is true that as age passes, your fitness conditions can change. You may have different weight loss/gain motivations and all your fitness routines need to be adjusted accordingly. I have seen this happen that many women lose motivation because they are doing the same workouts that they know and have grown comfortable with, but might not be what’s best for what them now.
Similarly, your workouts have to be adjusted according to your weight and so will your diet. It’s very important for you understand this, I have a firm belief that you can do this.Also before making any major change to your diet or exercise routine, it is important to discuss this with your physician.
It’s okay if you do not see results right away. The results will come. Don’t lose your motivation. Instead focus on yourself, what you want to achieve and really work your way towards your fitness goals.
