New Year, New You? The Excuses Holding You Back 

You're not alone. Studies show that while up to 95% of people make fitness-related resolutions, only 10% believe they'll last past the first three months. But don't give up just yet! Let's delve into the top reasons why fitness resolutions fail and how you can overcome them. 

Join me as we work towards creating lasting success together!

Going Solo

A lot of people will set fitness goals and then try to achieve them alone, but this can be a big mistake. Whether it's out of embarrassment, shame, or anxiety, we often forget the benefits of having a support system. By sharing our goals with others who might join us on our journey or cheer us on from the sidelines, we are more likely to succeed. So, don't be afraid to ask for help or support - it could make all the difference!

Unreasonable Expectations

We are constantly bombarded with the idea that transformative results can be achieved with minimal time and effort. But the truth is, it's impossible to know what kind of effort you're capable of maintaining long-term until you have a clear goal and a strategy in place that is built to achieve it. Don't fall for the quick fix mentality - it's important to have a plan in place that is sustainable and realistic. Over time, you can improve on that plan, fit it to your preferences, and maintain the changes you set out to make for yourself long-term.

Not Enough Time

The crushing weight of a tight schedule can make it very difficult to find time to devote to your health and fitness. But with a little bit of time management and awareness of where our hours are spent, we might find some time that we seemingly misplaced. Remember, if you want results, they will be a reflection of how highly you prioritize them and how much time you devote to them.

Not Enough Money

Gym memberships, equipment, fuel, shoes - all of these things can add up quickly and make it tough to stick to your fitness resolution. But don't let a tight budget get in the way of your fitness goals. There are plenty of budget-friendly options out there, such as working out at home with minimal equipment, joining a less expensive gym, or taking advantage of free fitness resources like YouTube workouts or outdoor activities. It's important to find what works for you and your budget.

No Plan

Life is full of surprises, and while we can't plan for everything, it's important to have a strategy in place to reliably fall back on. Do you have a plan for when you eat out at restaurants? What's your workout plan when you travel or spend time away from home or your regular gym? And how do you bounce back after a weekend of poor decisions? It's important to have a plan in place to help you stay on track and achieve your fitness goals.

Too Difficult

Change is never easy, and the kind of behaviors that lead us to want to improve our fitness and health are not easily unlearned. While there will always be a certain amount of challenge to implementing changes, it's important to make choices that are sustainable for your lifestyle. You can't expect to adhere to a strategy or adopt a new behavior if it simply causes you to suffer. For every potential sacrifice, there is likely a more reasonable compromise that will get you a little closer to what you want before giving up something entirely.

Too Many Changes

It's easy to get super motivated and want to make a bunch of changes all at once, but this can be a recipe for disaster. New habits need to be "so easy that it's impossible to say no." Trying to change too many things at once can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. It's important to start small and gradually build up to your goals.

Same Old Environment

We are responsible for the people we surround ourselves with, the environment around us, and the choices we make amidst distraction. Success often hinges on a willingness to make adjustments to your surroundings and how you can design it to help form new habits. The food in your fridge, the apps on your phone, the people you live and work with can either be part of the process or work against your intentions. It's important to be aware of your environment and make changes as needed to support your fitness goals.

Self-Awareness (or lack thereof!)

People are willing to do an extraordinary amount of guessing when it comes to estimating their level of fitness. But without a baseline, it's impossible to know what progress looks like. To be successful, it's important to have a clear understanding of your current fitness level and to track your progress over time. This will help you set realistic goals and measure your progress.

What can we do?

It's important to have a network of people who can support you and help you stay on track. This could be a personal trainer, a friend or family member, or even an online community. Having someone to help hold you accountable and offer encouragement can make a big difference in your success.

Don't let these common pitfalls derail your goals. With a little planning, self-awareness, and support, you can achieve your fitness resolutions and make lasting changes to your health and wellness. Happy resolution-ing!

- Leco