Losing Steam with Your Fitness and Weight Loss Journey? Here's What You Can Do
Many of us have faced a common challenge in our weight loss and fitness journeys: losing steam and motivation. Taryn Toomey, the founder of the physical conditioning workout The Class, explains that it's common for people to be excited and motivated initially. However, she notes that this can often lead to unrealistic expectations and commitments, with many people neglecting to integrate these new, healthier habits into their lifestyles. As a result, many put pressure on themselves to do intense exercise very quickly — eventually causing burnout and even injury.
You're not alone if you've hit a roadblock on your path to a healthier you. The key is to find sustainable ways to reignite your motivation and stay on track. Here are five strategies to help you do just that:
Set realistic, achievable goals
One of the primary reasons people lose motivation is because they set overly ambitious or vague goals. Instead of aiming for dramatic, rapid changes, pace yourself and break your journey up into milestones. Sharon Zarabi, a registered dietitian and personal fitness trainer, explains to Healthline that these milestones must be "SMART" — specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.
For instance, the SMART targets of a runner can be to (S) run the Manchester 10k in a time of 1 hour, (M) run three times a week, (A) achieve 5k run times of 27 minutes, (R) log weekly 5k and 10k run times and split times, and (T) accomplish these by a set date. You'll eventually maintain a sense of accomplishment when you achieve each of these smaller victories. This approach can help you avoid burnout and keep you moving forward.
Find a gym buddy
Sometimes, having a reliable workout partner is the best way to stay motivated. Our previous post mentioned that finding a gym buddy can provide tremendous support and motivation. This companion can make workouts more enjoyable and add a social aspect to your fitness routine. Simultaneously, a supportive companion can provide guidance and help alleviate "gymtimidation" by offering tips and feedback.
Whether it's a friend, family member, or coworker, having someone to share your fitness journey with can make a significant difference. When you know someone is waiting for you at the gym, it's much harder to skip a workout.
Join a weight loss community
For those who struggle to take a moderate approach, Toomey recommends investing in a personal trainer who can guide you through workouts. You can search for "weight loss classes near me" to find local classes or programmes that align with your fitness goals. These communities often include fitness experts, guides, and individuals who share similar objectives and are eager to motivate each other.
This means that you'll benefit from the guidance of experienced instructors who can design effective workouts tailored to your needs. Moreover, the camaraderie of a group setting can boost your motivation and create a positive atmosphere where you're more likely to push through challenges.
Mix up your workouts
Repetitive routines can become monotonous and lead to a loss of motivation. To keep things fresh and exciting, mix up your workouts regularly. Try different types of exercises, such as strength training, cardio, yoga, or dance. You can also explore outdoor activities like hiking or biking.
Variety prevents boredom, challenges different muscle groups, and prevents plateaus in your progress. If you'd like to focus solely on one type of exercise, such as strength, then there are still various ways to add variety to the exercise routine — such as varying the speed, amount of weight and number of repetitions and sets. This won't necessarily result in strength gains, but it can reignite your passion for exercise and keep you engaged in your fitness journey.
By implementing these strategies, you can reignite your enthusiasm and maintain your progress. To help you stay motivated, consider exploring our services at The HIIT Company. We offer online HIIT classes, programmes, and expert instruction to help you stay engaged and on the path to success in your fitness journey. Together, we can help you experience the benefits of HIIT workouts and remain committed to your goals.