Don't Let These 4 Fitness Hurdles Hold You Back

     Everyone is guilty of at least one fitness or weight loss mistake. The problem is that the lack of any noticeable results can destroy your confidence and send you back to your old habits. Pinpointing the biggest fitness saboteurs is one way to avoid making any unhealthy decisions.

Adopting a Boring Workout Routine

Don't Let These 4 Fitness Hurdles Hold You Back
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Adopting a Boring Workout Routine

     Not all exercises are equal. Granted, any activity you do is healthy, but resting on your laurels allows your body to get lazy. You can't limit yourself to riding the stationary bike, jogging, or lifting weights. For a full fitness experience, you have to target different muscle groups and problem areas. 

     A diverse workout routine engages your entire body, plus muscle memory doesn't have the opportunity to take hold so much that your exercises stop being beneficial. Create a routine that targets something new every few days. Don't forget to give your body a rest day to recuperate.

Failing to Balance Diet and Exercise

     To get fit, lose weight, and maintain optimum health, you can't rely solely on diet or exercise. They're both essential to lose weight and keep it off in the long term. 

     Exercising every day won't do you any good if you're eating high-fat, high-calorie foods. A nutritious diet without exercise is a start, but you need cardio and strength training to improve heart and lung function, tone your muscles, and provide you with long-lasting energy. Don't choose one or the other. Find a way to balance both of them in a way that benefits your lifestyle.

Neglecting to Hydrate Yourself

     Drinking water is the secret to weight loss and full-body health. Failing to hydrate yourself will tank your goals like nothing else. Power drinks, even the ones that claim to replenish your electrolytes, won't do the trick. Not only does water hydrate you, but it also increases feelings of satiety, improves your skin from the outside in, and can give you the mental and physical boost you need to power through your workouts. A hit of ice-cold water is an excellent motivator.

     Fill a jug with water and keep it by your desk. Buy a refillable bottle and try to fill it 10 times throughout the day. Turn the task into a game and challenge yourself to drink increasing amounts of water each day.

Not Eating for Fuel

     You have to feed the machine. Skipping meals because you don't have the time or don't feel hungry can ultimately lead to weight gain. It's critical to put your stomach on a schedule, preferably one that consists of five to six small meals a day. Although you already know that you need to give up junk food, you shouldn't consume heavily processed foods either. Your diet should consist of fresh whole foods with a focus on fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins, and a measured amount of carbs.

     Nothing is worse than attempting to change your diet and exercise activities only to find that you're not seeing improvements. Double-check your habits to make sure you aren't sabotaging your own success.