5 Reasons Why Fitness Resolutions Fail

We’ve all heard it before: Dieting is the #1 New Year's resolution each year in the U.S. Yet most people don't even keep up their diet resolutions past February and even more quit after just six months. Why? Lack of motivation, encouragement, and time are among the top reasons why people lose enthusiasm about their fitness and health goals so quickly. If you’ve ever made the goal to lose weight and found yourself losing steam instead, you know what I’m talking about. But it doesn’t have to be so black and white. Changing the way you eat and exercise is really an evolution, not a resolution. If you’re looking to make 2009 the year you really do something for your health and ultimately for yourself, then you need to read these 5 Reasons Why Fitness Resolutions Fail.

5. You’re not eating enough calories, or you’re not eating frequently enough. Both scenarios cause your body to store fat instead of burn it because your body thinks you are starving. When we skip meals (particularly breakfast) our bodies are fooled into thinking food won’t be available anytime soon and they settle into “hibernation” mode.

4. You can’t say no to the junk food. Refined sugars and carbs can wreak havoc on your diet and play mind games with your hunger levels. When you eat foods like cookies you’ll actually find that you feel hungrier afterward than you felt before you had a taste. Think your calories are in check? Keep ‘em that way and stay away from the cookie jar!

3. You’re not including strength training in your exercise routine. Many people don’t realize it but strength training is just as important as diet and cardio when trying to lose weight. Why, you may ask. For every pound of muscle you gain you will burn an extra 50 calories per day. Bring on the strength training!

2. You’re not getting the most out of your cardio workouts. If you’ve done the same workout on the treadmill, elliptical, bike, etc. for the past six weeks, it’s time to take it to the next level. Many people don’t realize that they’re not even hitting their target heart rate zone, which is critical to improve your cardiovascular fitness and health. Check out your heart rate to make sure you’re hitting your target zone. If not, you may need to kick it up a notch. Also, don’t forget to switch it up. Our bodies get used to the routines we give them so they start burning calories less efficiently.

1. You are still eating too many calories. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it really can’t be pointed out enough when it comes to weight loss. Many people are not aware of how big a portion actually is. Some companies have even been flagged for fibbing about the nutritional information on their food. The best way to avoid this pitfall? Measure your food using a scale to weigh out the grams or use simple measuring cups. Among the best foods to measure (and the easiest, without looking like a food-nazi) are cereal, granola, peanut butter, trail mix, and chips. Try to get in the habit of buying items that already come in single-serving portions or eating fresh items like apples that are nature’s very own 100 calorie snack.

Now that you know why you’re NOT losing weight, will you take this advice and apply it toward your own New Year’s Resolution? I hope so! For more information, tips, tricks, and fun healthy food and fitness advice log onto my blog at http://poisehealthandfitness.wordpress.com.

Happy New Year!

Meet the Trainer

Crystal is a certified personal trainer through the National Sports and Conditioning Association (NSCA). She has a passion for helping others live a healthy lifestyle and coaching them to push their limits beyond what they think they are capable of.