Time and time again I hear the same story.
These may seem familiar to you as you read them.
"I'm inconsistent with my training"
"I go hard for 2-3 weeks, and then fall off my routine"
"After a period of not working out, it's so hard for me to start back up"
You may have worked with trainers in the past who might have looked at you with disappointment and respond to your frustration by saying some of the following.
"You gotta try harder"
"You don't care about your results that much"
"Where is your will power"
These responses are from coaches that have a hard time putting their selves in your shoes.
Let me flip the script, and be the first to tell you that inconsistent periods are a part of the training process.
Unless you are an athlete, pro body builder, or someone who has it in their schedule to dedicate longer periods of time to training, life is probably going to knock you off of your training plan at one point or another.
I know I have had my share of inconsistent weeks. Motivation dips, busy schedules come up, life changes, sometimes the gym just loses it's spark.
The trick is having the mindset of anticipating this, and knowing what options you have to make sure your don't turn a few inconsistent weeks into inconsistent months.
Option 1: switching up your exercises
Sometimes, inconsistency can stem from boredom.
Feeling bored during your workouts or training programs, is common.
As humans, we like novelty.
The novelty of something new can increase our release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with rewards and feeling good.
This loop of trying something new and more dopamine can increase our motivation and desire to continue on a workout regimen.
Switching a few things now and again can give you a little excitement that keeps you wanting to workout.
Another way to add something new to your training is to switch up your training split.
For example, if you have been doing only high intensity interval training group classes, consider adding a day or two of a strength based group class ( if your gym has one).
You will learn some new exercises, and are likely to meet some new people you enjoy working out with!
Which leads us to option 2.
Option 2: find someone to hold you accountable
It isn't the greatest feeling when we let someone down. Weather it is a friend, family member, a fellow gym goer, or a coach you are working with.
When you make a commitment to someone, it is part of our nature to want to show up and deliver on our word.
Finding a workout buddy is such a game changer when it comes to overcoming inconsistent training.
Working out with someone not only increases you chances of showing up, it helps you to stay motivated and push yourself harder.
Group classes are great for this.
It may be scary at first. Showing up to a new gym for a group class. Not knowing anyone, and putting yourself out there so you can better yourself through exercise.
However, in a a few weeks you will be a part of a new community and you will look forward to showing up and seeing everyone each and every class!
Option 3 invest in yourself
Money.
Money tends to be one of the biggest motivators.
For your job, you want to be good workers so that we can get paid the amount we deserve.
What if I told you that spending money can also be one of the most influential motivators you can do.
You work hard for your money. You spend hours making sure you get the amount of money you deserve.
That being said, I am sure you would want to spend your money on things that are important to you.
Such as your health.
Investing in yourself and health, can be the most impactful thing you do.
If you join a gym that is on the cheaper side, you may not think twice about 20 or 30 dollars going to waste by skipping a week here or there.
Now, imagine spending 100, 300, 500, or even 1,000 dollars on a gym membership or a personalized training and nutrition program.
I am willing to bet you would take that gym membership or personalized program way more seriously since you are investing more of your hard earned cash into it.
Think about how much your health goals are worth, and how much you deserve to get the results you are after.
The price you pay today will set you up for a more vibrant, stronger, and more energized future.
I hope this provides you with some ideas that can help you over come inconsistent training.
Everyone's got a strategy and plan that works best for them.
The best thing that I can say is understanding that you won't be perfect 100% of the time.
Having a plan to get you out of inconsistent periods is the most important to keep you moving forward.
All the best,
Tim
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