It is June and the halfway point of 2023. Most gyms everywhere are starting to witness a decline in membership as the annual bump up fades and people start to give up on their New Year’s fitness goals.
According to statistics, 90% of people quit on their fitness goals after just three months. Kudos to those who kept going for another three. Here’s hoping they stay the course. Are you still on track and among them?
Here are some reasons people commonly give up on their fitness goals and how a fitness app can help you overcome obstacles and stay on track.
Not enough time in a busy schedule
In today’s always-on world, people are busier than ever. Balancing work, family, and time for self-care can be challenging. One way to overcome this challenge is to start slow and build. Find quick 15-20 minute workouts and set appointments for yourself.
Make your fitness a priority, put a number on it, and make it measurable. Set a goal like running a 5K, 10k or losing weight within a specific time. Be realistic and put together measurable milestones.
Use a fitness app to track your results so you can see your progress over time. Fitness apps can give you the essential voice and visual coaching you need while listening to your favourite music or audiobook for inspiration.
Starting too fast
Another reason people often quit is they set unrealistic goals. Worse yet, they choose a fitness programme with exercises and targets that are beyond their fitness level. So, it’s no surprise that after a few workouts, soreness or even injury become obstacles to success.
Starting slow and building up over time are keys to success. If you plan to begin a weight training programme, begin with lower resistance and focus more on proper form then build up your resistance over time.
It’s the same if you’re starting a cardio programme. Ease into it and stay within your target heart range. You’ll know you’re in the correct zone if you’re able to carry on a conversation while you walk or run.
Fitness apps are a great tool to support you in this effort. Many track your progress and, better yet, allow you to personalize your workouts. There are apps that let you personalize any workout programme by adjusting the exercise targets and settings. Allowing you to start with the right time, reps, resistance, or distance for each exercise and gradually build up over time. You can even custo-mize your workout by removing individual exercises with just a tap or replacing them with alternates when available. When you personalize your training to match your fitness level and capabilities, you help prevent early setbacks that derail your programme right off the bat.
No accountability and going alone
Discipline is a critical element to success in achieving your fitness goals. Fitness is a very personal endeavour, but you shouldn’t go it alone. Find an accountability buddy or share what you are doing with your social network. There is strength in numbers and in sharing our goals with others. People who do this are more likely to succeed.
Workouts aren’t enjoyable
Exercise is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Not everyone enjoys the treadmill, exercise bike, resistance machines, or stretching. Boredom can set in, then our brains start to make excuses, and our motivation quickly wanes. There are many ways to achieve your fitness goals, from calisthenics and resistance training to running, swimming, biking or yoga. Mix up your routines and try different workouts.
Stay focused and you’ll see results. Remember, you made your resolutions for a reason. Don’t give up. It can take up to 12 weeks before you start to see meaningful changes. But if you stay committed, personalize your workouts, and build up over time. The results you seek will come.
