If you are new to working out, then there’s probably something that has pushed you to the point of making the change. It could be a desire to see your body shape change or just wanting a higher level of fitness so you can enjoy life a little bit more. Whatever it is that gets you through the (metaphorical) door and into exploring your options, there’s no doubt it’s the beginning of an improved way of life.
Humans are, to an extent, a species that relies on results. We don’t tend to respond well to the idea that something – anything – is going to take time. We expedite our expectations, demand results, want to see things moving forward – because not moving forward can only mean stagnation. The same thinking has a tendency to move into the realms of your fitness goals.
This, of course, is why fad and crash diets are popular – because they show instant results if you want to lose weight. Of course, they do absolutely NOTHING for maintaining that weight loss (about 1 in 20 dieters keep that weight off according to http://www.livestrong.com/article/438395-the-percentage-of-people-who-regain-weight-after-rapid-weight-loss-risks/) and they do absolutely nothing for our fitness. But it’s easy to see why they’re popular: because they sometimes provide that instantaneous result we crave.
Except… That’s Not Going To Last
The phrase “yo-yo dieting” is the perfect descriptor for this attitude to weight and fitness – and yes, those two things are inextricably linked from one another. On the upward part of the swing, you can find yourself seduced by the momentary fixes that make your clothes feel better or give you a boost for the night out. But when the restriction ends, the weight returns, and you’re still out of breath if you suddenly have to run for the bus – what happens then?
The answer for most people is that they fall away from the whole idea of weight and fitness management. Then, a few months later and undoubtedly a few pounds heavier, they begin the cycle again.
Breaking The Cycle
Learning to manage your expectations when it comes to all kinds of body management – from weight, to fitness, to tone and muscle building – is essential. It’s a practice of learning to ask yourself what works for the moment, and what is going to continue to work for months to come.
There are things you can do for short-term boosts, but it’s essential to remember that’s all they are: boosts. You could try (with medical approval) the FODMAP eating plan, which can help you identify the foods that are truly beneficial for your nutritional needs. For strength building, there’s the likes of http://aretheyonsteroids.com/how-i-gained-half-an-inch-of-muscle-to-my-arms/ for an initial start that can then be increased. And with regards to fitness, even something as simple as doing the same thing for the same amount of time every day for a week will see more results than doing nothing.
However: you’re going to need to maintain them, refine, and keep working hard to get your body and fitness where you want to be.
