I love my job but at times can only scratch my head. After many years working in the fitness industry, building fitness programs within different companies, coaching, and focusing on nutrition I've identified several thoughts, statements and outlooks that have doomed people from success. At times even I have had such negative thought processes. Here I will examine the different statements I've heard, read, or even thought and add a more positive "twisted approach" in changing the mentality behind these thoughts that seem to be most common amongst people struggling to get fit. My goal is to enlighten people to the truth behind negative thoughts when it comes to fitness and nutrition, and hopefully bring out a laugh or two.
1.) "I have a slow metabolism."
Twisted- Metabolism plays only a partial role in being fit. Stop focusing on the term "metabolism" and focus on the terms, active lifestyle, clean eating, exercise, nutrition, and fitness.
2.) "I'm too old for a hard cardio workout."
Twisted- Who said that? Unless it was a doctor, you are the only one placing limitations on yourself. Get active!
3.) "I need muscle, let's stop doing cardio and build muscle."
Twisted- Now that's just plain twisted! You may have lots of muscle but what good is it if your heart is unhealthy. Cardio training and muscle building should go hand in hand. To ignore cardio and focus solely on muscle is detrimental to your health. No point in looking good if you can't sustain a cardio push for 30 minutes.
4.) "Research says, but google says, but the internet told me...."
Twisted- Did they research you specifically? Unless they did, all researched knowledge may not apply specifically to YOU. There are so many varying factors in research. Don't get me wrong, I love research, I read, discuss, learn, and promote several concepts. But I am also realistic. What works for some may not work for others. If you find yourself always following what research says and not having success, try something DIFFERENT! Research and studies do not always take into account your specific build, endurance, lifestyle, nutrient absorption, lung capacity, elevation, ailments and so forth.
5.) "I work out all the time and I eat healthy and just can't seem to get fit!"
Twisted- One of two things is most likely happening...1) you’ve hit a plateau, time to try something new. 2.) You are not working out correctly and your eating habits are most likely not as good as you think they are. Be open to suggestions. Seek new information and be proactive in making a change.
6.) "I can't do cardio, I'm not a runner."
Twisted- No one said running is the only cardio exercise. In fact, there are tons of ways to build cardio endurance aside from running. When top runners are injured they don't just stop cardio training. Try hiking, swimming, cycling, spin class, Zumba, cross country skiing, stair climbing...the list goes on.
7.) "I don't need to focus on my nutrition right now, I just need to exercise, I eat fairly well."
Twisted- WRONG....especially if you are now focusing on a new fitness program, nutrition is essential. Now you are not just fueling your body to be fit, but also to sustain exercise, build muscle and continue to progress. If you maintain your same nutrition, you will most likely fail. Design your nutrition to support your exercise.
8.) "Once I get back on board with a workout program or nutrition program I'll be fine and can do it on my own."
Twisted- Ask yourself how many times you've had to say that to yourself. No one does it alone, not even top athletes. And obviously if you have to get "back on track" then you've fallen off. Guess what? Everyone falls off. It's okay. But you must connect with others. To be fit on your own is difficult when struggling with weight issues, lack of exercise knowledge, or coming back from injury. Don't be so overconfident that you lie to yourself about your ability. People at times give top athletes, coaches, friends, family and co-workers a hard time for posting their workouts, taking selfies, promoting their results, competitions, or events but there is a method to their madness. This is one I understand well. To stay connected means I stay accountable. When I declare I have an event coming up, I am unable to hide from training and performing. I am holding myself accountable and hoping others will hold me accountable as well. Regardless of my performance, in the end as I compete only with myself, but appreciate the accountability piece of declaring ones successes or shortfalls.
There are several ways to stay connected through social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Strava, My Garmin Connect, MyFit Pal, and more.
You can also connect with these groups:
Twisted Trek Athletics (of course :) )
Local running clubs
NUUN
Cross fit Community
Zumba Group
Fit Right Northwest
Foot Traffic
Fleet Feet
Animal Athletics
Trail and Ultra
IRUNFAR
1.) "I have a slow metabolism."
Twisted- Metabolism plays only a partial role in being fit. Stop focusing on the term "metabolism" and focus on the terms, active lifestyle, clean eating, exercise, nutrition, and fitness.
2.) "I'm too old for a hard cardio workout."
Twisted- Who said that? Unless it was a doctor, you are the only one placing limitations on yourself. Get active!
3.) "I need muscle, let's stop doing cardio and build muscle."
Twisted- Now that's just plain twisted! You may have lots of muscle but what good is it if your heart is unhealthy. Cardio training and muscle building should go hand in hand. To ignore cardio and focus solely on muscle is detrimental to your health. No point in looking good if you can't sustain a cardio push for 30 minutes.
4.) "Research says, but google says, but the internet told me...."
Twisted- Did they research you specifically? Unless they did, all researched knowledge may not apply specifically to YOU. There are so many varying factors in research. Don't get me wrong, I love research, I read, discuss, learn, and promote several concepts. But I am also realistic. What works for some may not work for others. If you find yourself always following what research says and not having success, try something DIFFERENT! Research and studies do not always take into account your specific build, endurance, lifestyle, nutrient absorption, lung capacity, elevation, ailments and so forth.
5.) "I work out all the time and I eat healthy and just can't seem to get fit!"
Twisted- One of two things is most likely happening...1) you’ve hit a plateau, time to try something new. 2.) You are not working out correctly and your eating habits are most likely not as good as you think they are. Be open to suggestions. Seek new information and be proactive in making a change.
6.) "I can't do cardio, I'm not a runner."
Twisted- No one said running is the only cardio exercise. In fact, there are tons of ways to build cardio endurance aside from running. When top runners are injured they don't just stop cardio training. Try hiking, swimming, cycling, spin class, Zumba, cross country skiing, stair climbing...the list goes on.
7.) "I don't need to focus on my nutrition right now, I just need to exercise, I eat fairly well."
Twisted- WRONG....especially if you are now focusing on a new fitness program, nutrition is essential. Now you are not just fueling your body to be fit, but also to sustain exercise, build muscle and continue to progress. If you maintain your same nutrition, you will most likely fail. Design your nutrition to support your exercise.
8.) "Once I get back on board with a workout program or nutrition program I'll be fine and can do it on my own."
Twisted- Ask yourself how many times you've had to say that to yourself. No one does it alone, not even top athletes. And obviously if you have to get "back on track" then you've fallen off. Guess what? Everyone falls off. It's okay. But you must connect with others. To be fit on your own is difficult when struggling with weight issues, lack of exercise knowledge, or coming back from injury. Don't be so overconfident that you lie to yourself about your ability. People at times give top athletes, coaches, friends, family and co-workers a hard time for posting their workouts, taking selfies, promoting their results, competitions, or events but there is a method to their madness. This is one I understand well. To stay connected means I stay accountable. When I declare I have an event coming up, I am unable to hide from training and performing. I am holding myself accountable and hoping others will hold me accountable as well. Regardless of my performance, in the end as I compete only with myself, but appreciate the accountability piece of declaring ones successes or shortfalls.
There are several ways to stay connected through social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Strava, My Garmin Connect, MyFit Pal, and more.
You can also connect with these groups:
Twisted Trek Athletics (of course :) )
Local running clubs
NUUN
Cross fit Community
Zumba Group
Fit Right Northwest
Foot Traffic
Fleet Feet
Animal Athletics
Trail and Ultra
IRUNFAR
