So you’ve been on a diet and you’ve started an exercise program. However, despite the fact that you’ve been working hard–or so you think–the scale isn’t moving. There could be any number of reasons why you do not see any success. However, all too often we’re our own worst enemies. We may think we’re putting in an effort, but if we level with ourselves, we can see that there’s room for improvement. Here’s how to give yourself a reality check.
If you’re doing a group exercise, are you comparing yourself to others? If so, try to take your mind off them. You’re doing this for you, so don’t worry about what anyone else is doing. Focus on what you’re doing. Set small goals for yourself and when you reach them, set more.
Whether you’re working out in a class or going it alone, make sure that you’re putting in the work. You don’t have to push yourself to exhaustion or work out like you’re trying to win a championship, but you should be pushing yourself just a little bit harder each time. You’ve got goals to meet.
And be realistic about those goals. You’ve probably heard before that Rome wasn’t built in a day and you’re not going to be a fitness model in a day, either. That’s why you set small goals, so you don’t get frustrated and give up.
After you meet your exercise goals, how do you reward yourself? If you’re rewarding yourself with special treats, in the way of food, you’re only sabotaging the effort you’re putting forth. It’s okay to have a cheat meal once in a while, but finishing every workout by treating yourself is only going to do more harm than good. Try to shift your thinking from viewing food as a reward and reward yourself with something else–a new piece of sports equipment or something related to another hobby, for example. Food is fuel. It’s okay to enjoy it, but don’t let your world revolve around it.
