A Fresh Start

As we round the turn into the middle of the year, the "fresh start" feeling of January is long behind us in the rearview mirror. Often during this time of year, lack of motivation, burnout, or quitting seems to be near a peak. If this describes you, check out our blog called "Find Motivation for Workouts!" But, maybe this isn't you (awesome!) yet. . .You may be crushing workouts now, but how do you know if you will give up in the future? Are there signs we can look for to see if burnout is coming around the corner?

This is not information from a psychologist or scientist; rather, this is based on observation from over a dozen years as a trainer. Over time, I've learned some behaviors displayed by clients that seem to lead to their abandonment of working out. Why does this matter? Because if you don't "use it, you lose it!" The journey of fitness is one that cannot be stopped. Or the results stop, too. (And if you've ever done this, you know the decline comes in a hurry). Sometimes, life just gets in the way. Overcome your distractions and stressors using these workout schedule consistency tips.

Here are three key behaviors that seem to almost always point to the throwing of the proverbial workout towel and what you can do about them:

1. Putting off workouts. Are you continually pushing off or rescheduling workouts? Are you skipping sessions? Are you moving your morning workout to the evening only to end up skipping altogether? Do not abandon your schedule! The more you stay in your "groove" and your routine, the better. The clients I train who get the best results are the most consistent. They train at similar times each week and don't miss. A rescheduled workout here and there is one thing, but when this is the rule rather than the exception, something is about to go wrong, and your fitness will suffer the consequences. 
2. Skipping sets or reps (or entire exercises). When starting a workout regimen, you'd never dream of skipping a single rep. Why? Because you know "you're only cheating yourself." But over time, things can start slipping. Take heed - a little compromise here, a little one there, and what was once a strict workout routine is now a "cafeteria workout" - a workout in which you pick and choose what and how many you will do. Results will decline, and you will likely quit. 
3. Forgetting why it matters. Burnout happens in the life cycle of any workout routine. Why? Because it's hard, that's why! Working out, in general, is a challenge, but working out week after week and month after month is difficult! Our best antidote for losing heart is to constantly and consistently remind ourselves of why we started; why being fit and healthy matters in the first place. 

You don't always have to do the same kind of workout. You don't always have to have the same focus or the same goal. I am all about keeping things fresh. What matters is that you continue to stay active and make your health a priority. If you don't use it, you lose it. Watch for these warning signs to help yourself stay mentally and physically on track to achieve success in your fitness.