What's Your Excuse?

What’s your Excuse?
We are all guilty of making them every now and then. When it comes to working out and eating healthy, sticking with it is sometimes hard to do. I will admit that there are days when I can even come up with a great excuse not to follow through with my workout or prepare a healthy meal. The key word here is SOMETIMES! I try and follow the 80/20 rule. Eating clean and working out 80% of the time and 20% of the time relax and enjoy! The programs I design for my clients and my boot camp programs will give great results when followed properly. The results will vary for each person. The reason some do extremely well and others just can’t reach their goals is whether or not they follow the program! I often find that some individuals are layered with excuses. There is always a reason for not following the program I set out for them. Too busy, too tired, not feeling well, kids activities, something came up, excuse after excuse. I have even witnessed a lack of effort while working out with some clients during a Boot camp class. Professionally speaking, I would never ask anybody to do more than what they are physically capable of doing. I can recognize when the lack of effort is not because of ability but because it’s just plain difficult! Everyone, including me needs a little push now and then. We all set goals. We all want results. The question is why do some people reach their goals, and some just never get there? The simple answer is EXCUSES! The number one reason for not losing the weight and getting fit is because the unhealthy habits continue. Following a plan for one week then falling into old habits will not create change. Results don’t show up after one week of effort. It takes weeks of consistent effort to see results. Not giving in to old habits and staying focused works. I think the best piece of fitness advice I can offer, perhaps a little bit harsh, is “STOP MAKING EXCUSES!” If you are unhappy and don’t like the weight, shape, and health you are in... Then change it and stop making excuses. Exercise can be modified and created for anybody regardless of age, gender, health or physical ability. A well designed nutrition plan is a way of life, not a diet. A ‘diet’ is something I don’t put my clients on because a ‘diet’ is something that has a beginning and an end! Eating healthy isn’t about depravation. Sacrifices and wise choices have to be made to reach your goals. Eat clean, exercise, drop the bad habits, and most important be consistent. Stick with it and results will come. It is totally up to you!
Guelph based Marla Arndt is a personal trainer. She owns and operates Frameworks Fitness and can be reached via her website @ http://www.frameworksfitness.com