This is a two part post. I didn’t realize how long it would actually turn out. I guess you can all that a good thing. I mean really, there are MANY reasons people lack results in the gym from inconsistency, new fangled supplements and toys that promise results, and no sacrifice. For as long as I’ve been training, I’ve had clients and potential clients show me these reasons. I always take note. In fact, the general population is like this. As a fitness professional, it pains me to see people who say they want something but don’t really want it.
Without further ado, here is #’s 12 down to 7 of reasons you aren’t seeing results in the gym.
#12: You lack consistency
“Do not expect the results for the work you did not do.”
-Unknown
It baffles me to no end how people expect results in their fitness journey when probably the #1 thing they lack is consistency. I can’t even limit this to those who are the new year resolution people; you know, the ones who come for the first 60 days after the new year then you realize your gym is noticeably quieter by March. I’m talking about the people who have been working out for years and can’t reach their goals, as they blame it on genetics or programming when in actuality, it’s just lack of consistency. You CANNOT go to the gym 3 days here, 1 day the following week, eh didn’t feel like going after work so go 2 days this week and expect to lose fat & get muscles. It doesn’t happen like that. Let me make this as clear as a diamond straight out the Prince of Dubai’s private collection:
THERE ARE NO FAST WAYS TO GET WHAT YOU WANT. IT TAKES TIME. IT TAKES DISCIPLINE. IT TAKES CONSISTENCY. IT TAKES WORK. IT TAKES A LOT OF WORK. I DON’T CARE IF THE INFOMERCIAL PROMISES THIS OR YOUR LOCAL GYM GURU PROMISES YOU THAT.
I know people have obligations to their home, work, and family but lets not get it twisted. If you needed to meet with your accountant or dentist or doctor, you would put that appointment in your calendar and make sure it happens, right or wrong? Well when it comes to your health and fitness goals, it is NO DIFFERENT. You want your money from your taxes right? I bet you’ll be at that accountant. You want that tooth to stop hurting right? I bet you’ll see the dentist ASAP. You want to get over your illness quickly right? You’ll see the doctor. You want to drop 20lbs and get in the best shape of your life so you don’t croak early or become susceptible to ailments and diseases that you’re at risk for because of your weight and/or genetics? I am damn sure you’ll get to the gym and no slack off.
One thing you’re consistent at is being inconsistent. Unfortunately, that isn’t how it works. You will continually get upset, resentful, and NEVER reach what you want until you stop making these stupid/dumb/ridiculous excuses and just get in the gym and train. I hate to be brash but the truth sometimes is like that and I care too much to let people slip.
#11: You lack purpose
“For this purpose I determined to keep an account of the voyage, and to write down punctually every thing we performed or saw from day to day, as will hereafter appear.â€
–Christopher Columbus
What is your purpose? You would think that’s an easy question to answer. Unfortunately, many people don’t have a purpose to hitting the gym and training. What you’ll hear constantly is, “I want to look better†or “I need to lose weight†but in all this, WHY are you doing it? Do you want to look better for your wedding day? Does your spouse or significant other not find you as attractive as you once were? Are you at a risk for disease? Are you afraid you won’t live to see your child graduate high school/college because you’re morbidly obese or extremely overweight? When you can answer that, dig deeper. Find your WHY. Why are you here to begin with? Do you have eating issues? Are you depressed? Are you resentful towards someone/people? When you get to the root cause, you can then say, “Hey, it’s time to take my life back! I can no longer let this pull me down. Its time to uproot this resentment and anger and plant new hope in my life.†BAM! You now have purpose! Now you can think about your purpose every minute, every day, every training session and know that your purpose is incredibly meaningful to you and you will not stop until you have reached and even exceeded that.
 #10 No Direction
“Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.â€
                          -John F. Kennedy
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You are probably a person who actually hits the gym consistently but just doesn’t know what to do except hit the treadmill, a few machines, and a Pilate’s class. I applaud your effort but remember, there’s a difference between TRAINING and EXERCISING. When I say “no direction†I mean you are just there to get your body moving instead of sitting on the coach all day doing nothing but eating Star Crunch (the best hood snack ever) and watching mid-day nonsense TV. Of course, if that is what you WANT to do then EXERCISING is your end goal and essentially that’s a direction. The people I’m really going after are the people who want one thing…FAT LOSS…the people who consistently say, “I just want to look like I did when I got married†or “I’m embarrassed by my appearance. I have this gut.†There are a lot of misconceptions out there. The fitness industry is a multi-billion dollar industry where people, if seller-savvy, can sell water to a whale. Marketing is BRILLIANT in this industry so many people opt to let their emotional mind take over and follow “this stack will get you shredded in 14 days, drop 100lbs, or your money back†and continue with their aimless wander in the gym and wonder why they haven’t gotten ANYTHING except headaches and a rapid heartbeat.
I will PERSONALLY give you the directions needed for your goals (incredibly general of course)
Nutrition (calorie deficit)->Strength Training->Metabolic Conditioning (when applicable)-> Rest-> FAT LOSS
Nutrition (calorie surplus)->Strength Training->Rest-> MUSCLE GAIN
It’s pretty simple. If you are at a loss, I’d be more than willing to assist you and help you reach your goals. Yes, self-promotion because if you’re reading this and agree, you need the help.
#09: You Are Ego-Driven
“Stupidity combined with arrogance and a huge ego will get you a long way.â€
                                                                                                                       -Chris Lowe
I know I’ve come across these people. In fact, if you’re reading this and getting a bit upset, you may the person I’m speaking about.
You know why being fitness professional is a gift and a curse? It’s a gift because for the ones we train, create positive impact in their lives, and help them reach and exceed their very own expectations is not only rewarding to me but to them, its EVERYTHING. Why is it a curse? Well, turn on YouTube, hit up Facebook, and Twitter, get a few answers and now all of the sudden you’re a gym guru and those people will resist anything.
I can’t even say this is too much of a “female†trait, as I’ve learned through my own experiences that females are more susceptible to learning. They don’t want to get hurt. Earn their trust and you will have some monsters on your hands.
This is primarily a male-ego thing. Don’t get it twisted fellas, throwing up heavy weight to [try and] impress the girls lifting next to you or trying to grab their attention through a mirror makes you look like a total dickhead. Period. Grunting really loud (especially on cable machines…take out the pin, dummy, and lighten it up) and slamming weights is a foolproof way of proving your douchebaggery. If that’s not how you want to be viewed or judged, drop the ego…that’ll then drop the weight…which will then allow you to perform exercises correctly…thus using proper muscle groups and activation…and wa-la, a better physique (albeit through nutrition as well).
I know chasing strength is something I preach and truly believe in as you need strength no matter your goal but do it in a progressive, efficient, and safe manner. LEARN to lift correctly and if you don’t know how to, referencing it on video during the set will not help. Find a coach or trainer who has the knowledge you are seeking. Also, ask in an appropriate manner. Don’t be a dick as if it’s owed to you.
#08: You Won’t Sacrifice
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“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.â€
                                                           -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Â
This is a big one. I don’t even know where to begin so I’ll do my best. Let’s start off with by sacrificing #9 on the list. Dropping the ego. Furthermore, we all want something, especially when we train, and guess what? NOTHING is free in life and if you want something, it doesn’t come without a price. Nothing is ever owed to you. Results are earned through sacrifice. Too tired after a day of work but you still need to get in that 3rd session of the week? Drink some coffee and get it together. Want to shed some body fat and/or build and retain muscle but love running 10 miles a day? You’re going to have to lift more and sacrifice all that running and maybe run 5 miles or 2 miles…or none because man, running sucks…I kid I kid.
The point is you need to give up something in order to get something in return. You cannot have your cake and eat it to. Whats your goal? Are you there yet? Are you remotely close to it? Is your way working? If not, you need to change something and chances are, whatever it is you’re doing now isn’t working. Stop doing it.
Sacrifice.
#7: You Look For Fast Results
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“People love chopping wood. In this activity one immediately sees results.â€
                                                                                                          -Albert Einstein
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Ok, I lied…THIS may be the biggest one. I cannot tell you how irate this makes me. Ever have the feeling of wanting to gauge your eyes out when mentions (insert stupid effing diet), P90X, Insanity, some other nonsense high intensity routine, switching up “programs†every 4 weeks, how much “cardio†they do, how little they eat, juicing, cleanses, and a smorgasbord of other things that leave you saying, “WTF?!†in their quest to a better body?
“I’ve been doing it for 6 weeks and I already see results.â€
EXCELLENT! BRAVO! Any time your body is introduced to a new stimulus it is going to adapt accordingly. This is the SAID principle or Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands. Of course when you go from the normal lollygag in the gym to High Intensity work you drop pounds. It’s a shock to the body (no, do not get this confused with the myth of ‘muscle confusion’ as that is one huge fallacy in fitness). But let me ask you this? Was your drop sustainable? Isn’t that the entire purpose? Isn’t it to have a SUSTAINABLE way of life and weight/fat loss?
Pulling another diamond out of the Prince of Dubai’s jewelry box:
Programs do not produce acute results! This means, just because it doesn’t turn you from the Michelin Man to Superman in 4 weeks, doesn’t mean it doesn’t work! It is something that happens over time with CONSISTENCY, DEDICATION TO THE PROGRAM, HARD WORK, AND SACRIFICE.
People have this thought process that, “I started my new program, it’s been 6 weeks and I haven’t seen any results.†Before one blames it on the program, ask yourself the following questions, “am I sticking to my nutrition plan correctly?†“Am I getting enough rest?†“Am I coming in to fulfill my training?â€
You cannot expect the body you want if you’re pounding down beers, drinking glasses of wine, eating like shit and/or binging, inconsistent in your training, not giving it your all, and set in a poor mind state. Excuses are like opinions and assholes…every one has got ‘em but it takes a person with true drive, determination, and PURPOSE to reach their goals. NOTHING is fast…NOTHING is linear…NOTHING comes easy…either you work for it or you don’t but don’t blame ANYONE but YOURSELF for your lack of results. Period.
Part 2 will cover reasons 6 down to 1. I hope you enjoyed this read and able to learn a thing or two. If I can help just ONE person, I know I’m doing my job.
Keep it up and make it happen!