6 Ways Youre Sabotaging Your Workout

In search of the perfect body, we're more likely to be drawn to popularized fitness routines than real work. We want the results without putting in the time. Unfortunately it doesn't work like that. There are no shortcuts to weight loss and building muscle. And often, these shortcuts are just sabotaging the time you're putting in. Here are six things you should avoid.

1. Doing Everything

Trying to lose weight, gain muscle, run faster and increase endurance all at once is sending your body mixed signals. Ambition is great, but when you try to do everything you end up failing to do anything. Rein in your goals and create a plan to achieve them.

2. Giving Up

After you figure out your goals and create a workout program, you have to stick to it for more than a week or two. You can't expect to get stronger after just a few workouts. Results are a byproduct of consistency and hard work. See your plan through, give it time, and re-evaluate in six to eight weeks.

3. Being a Follower

There will always be someone out there who is bigger, stronger or faster than you. Don't worry about everyone else, worry about yourself. Their workout isn't necessarily better than yours. Don't fall into the follow the leader trap. Focus on your workout and try to better your performance instead of comparing yourself to everyone else in the gym.

4. Faking It

You can't show up for a workout, go through the motions, and then expect to see results. Are you willing to put in the work? Without the effort, exercise is useless.

5. Skipping Out

If your workouts are hit or miss, your will results will be too. Skipping workouts is one way to guarantee zero progress will be made.

6. Over-Doing It

Skipping workouts is bad, but so is skipping rest days. Try and find a balance between work and rest. Take time off to recover between workouts. Fuel your body with the proper foods. Get to bed on time. Each of these factors will have an impact on your performance and progress.

Is Cardio or Strength Training Better for Weight Loss?

Joe Vennare is an accomplished fitness entrepreneur who develops, instructs and writes about innovative fitness programs. He is the co-founder of Hybrid Athlete, Kettlebell Cardio, and Race Day Domination.

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