We often think adding a few workouts to our routine is all we need to get beach body ready for summer. But if you think you don’t need to also change a few components of your lifestyle, think again. There’s no point in working out if you eat a giant double cheeseburger afterwards, or if you’ve been doing the same routine over and over again. Consider these factors as reasons why you’re not seeing results from your workouts.
Pre and post-workout nutrition sometimes require a little more thought than you’re accustomed to. It’s always good to have a small 100-200 calorie snack before working out (e.g. a banana with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter) to fuel your workout and give you energy! Often people don’t see results before working out because they’re not fueling up properly before going for a run or hitting the gym.
Think that working out gives you an excuse to dig into a burrito the size of your head? Yeah right! Working out doesn’t always give you license to eat whatever you want. Aim for healthy post-workout foods that are rich in protein like chicken, turkey, or eggs that can fuel your muscles and aid in recovery.
Your body can get used to lifting the same weight in as little as a few weeks. Don’t keep going to the gym and lifting those same dumbbells month after month. Pretty soon, your body will adapt to the weight and you’ll stop seeing results.
Do you always head for the elliptical, treadmill, or bike when hitting the gym? Or did you complete the same cardio workout over and over again? Cardio ruts are no fun—plus they bring your results to a screeching halt. Every few weeks, try a different cardio routine. Kickboxing, dance aerobics, and even spinning classes are all great choices.
Sometimes the reason you’re not seeing results from your workout is because your form needs work. Take your time with the reps you complete. Also, make sure to rest adequately between sets and lower the weight if it’s too heavy for you to lift with proper form. If you’re at a gym and unsure about how to perform a certain exercise, ask a fitness attendant to help you.
Ten minutes of walking isn’t going to burn off that brownie you ate for a late afternoon snack. Conversely, a four-hour workout won’t help you lose a pound a day. Aim for 30-60 minutes of activity per day. Any more or less than that could hinder results.
Are you the kind of exerciser that might work out consistently for a few weeks, but then falls off the bandwagon, only to start all over again? A consistent workout regimen is key to getting real results. Exercising sporadically is only going to leave you frustrated, and you won’t be able to figure out why you’re not losing weight or getting toned.
Working out doesn’t need to be a daily chore you loathe. It’s actually a really fun way to maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, and even build relationships with people you love! What are some of your best tips for getting good results from your workouts?