Whether you want to lose weight or you wish to become stronger, having fitness goals can be a good way to keep your motivation up. For some, it gives them a trajectory to where they should go. For others, it’s a reason to get up and hit their workout whether at home or in the gym.
Unfortunately, not all goals can turn into reality. Remember the number of New Year’s resolutions you made that failed to materialize? The same can be said about fitness goals.
To lessen your frustrations, you will need to avoid some of the most common blunders that people make when setting their goals. Here are a few mistakes that you might want to avoid the next time you list down your fitness goals.
Creating unrealistic goals
Whether it’s bulking up or you want to lose fats, a lot of people are guilty of setting unrealistic fitness goals. They’d often end up doing extreme things only to realize that these changes are not sustainable in the long run.
For those who plan on losing weight, how many people do you know tried to lose a good amount of weight in a short period? Some individuals would want to lose 15-20 pounds in a month. Though it’s something possible, it’s highly improbable especially if you’re not a full-time athlete who can dedicate doing 2 intense workouts a day.
For those who are looking to lose weight, a more healthy and realistic goal is to dial down your weight loss target to 1 to 2 pounds a week. This is also suggested by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With the right amount of discipline, it’s something that you can do for several months.
Not getting the help of an expert
Some individuals fail to hit their goals because they don’t get the help of experts. If you are looking to lose weight, build mass, or improve your stamina, it might be a good idea to get the help of the right people.
It’s not a bad idea to invest in a trainer or even in a nutritionist especially if you are serious with your goals. There are instances when DIY won’t cut it and big changes will require the help of science. At times, the difference-maker between nailing and missing your goals is the knowledge and expertise of people who are qualified to guide you with your nutrition and workouts.
So what if you don’t have the money to hire a trainer or get a nutritionist? At least do your own research. Listen to podcasts, read some books, and of course, learn as you go along.
Focusing too much on workouts but also eating a lot of eating the wrong foods
Between working hard and working smart, you’d be surprised that the latter could give you better results.
It is not enough that you are doing your workouts. It is equally important that you are going to eat the right food. For those who are looking to lose weight, it’s common for some individuals to overeat after working out. They end up on a caloric surplus when they need to be on a caloric deficit.
On the other hand, for people who are looking to build muscle mass, there are instances when people don’t eat the right amount of protein, especially after a workout. Protein is necessary if you want to build your muscles.
Going from 0 to 100 without any time to adapt
A lot of people go from 0 to 100 once they made their goals. Some wouldn’t even listen to their body when it can’t cope with the workouts anymore. Though it can give you good results during the first few weeks, you can’t expect this habit to be sustainable. It is always a good idea if you can give your body the time it needs to adjust to your new habits.
Giving your body the time to adjust can pay dividends. This can help avoid injuries and even make you less frustrated.
Little time for recovery
Rest is just as important as the actual work out itself. Sleep deprived individuals consume an average of 385 calories more than those who get enough sleep. On top of that, you get to ruin your hormones and your body ends up storing more fats.
As a rule of thumb, always make it a goal to sleep at least 7 to 8 hours a day. Plus, you also want to give your body at least a day to reset and have complete rest.
Throwing rewards out the window
Goals shouldn’t be all about sacrifice. Don’t forget to mix rewards here and there especially if you were able to work your way closer to your target. Aside from getting a rest day, it is also ideal to give yourself a cheat day where you can indulge (in moderation) in food that you don’t usually enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Goal setting can be a good thing for anyone who wants to live a healthier life. However, a lot of people make the mistake of overdoing their program or setting the bar too high. Creating goals should be achievable and realistic. Plus, you might want to get the help of other people if you are serious about losing weight, gaining muscle, or even improving your cardio.V