The most common fitness obstacles have withstood the test of time. “I can’t find time to get to the gym.” “My diet is mostly good but I still can’t lose weight.” “I stick to my new program for a few weeks or months but eventually fall back into old habits.” “I never know what to do in my workouts.”
We have more knowledge and resources at our disposal than ever before, but this wealth of information can cause analysis paralysis. So, let’s simplify things.
These three tips will help you get over the common health and wellness hurdles and develop a plan for success.
1. Explore all available workout options
Today, there are endless possibilities in the fitness world. You can work out at the gym, train virtually at home, join thousands of group classes, play a sport, go for a run…the list goes on.
When you explore all available options, you create a mental database of crucial information broken down for you. Which activity works when I have time? Which can be done efficiently? What do I enjoy when I am feeling down or have had a tough day? You can then use this information to make informed decisions and create the optimal plan for you. What if I am wrong about this? What if I can do this? Why not me?
2. Create your Plans A, B, and C
The key is to outline your plan with multiple steps. First, find what works BEST for you. This will be your primary training focus. For example, if you are looking to build muscle via resistance training, a traditional multi-day gym split is likely the best recipe for success.
From there, find a Plan B. What will you fall back on when your mind, body, or other external stimuli is really pushing you not to go to the gym? In this case, Plan B could be an at-home workout, utilizing bodyweight or banded movements.
Finally, Plan C. This is the “break glass in case of emergency” option that you keep to ensure that in the end, something gets done. Maybe going for an outdoor run, walk, or hike. The key for Plan C is that it requires very little preparation or resistance and essentially no external factors can stop you from completing it. This is also a good time to pull out the activity that makes you feel better when you have had a long day.
PLAN A (most often): Strength training at the gym
Example: Titan Lean Bulk by Mike O’Hearn
PLAN B (backup): At-home guided workout
Example: Bodyweight Burner by Cam Speck
PLAN C (last ditch effort): Run or hike
With this three-plan structure in place, you maintain a system that will keep you from skipping valuable training sessions. You’ll also develop consistent and long-lasting habits, as you’ll avoid boredom and allow yourself the freedom of variety.
3. Simplify and streamline your path
When it comes to training and diet, there’s one thing we know for certain: the simpler something is, the easier it is to follow.
Fad diets come and go, and complex nutrition science can be overwhelming. Eating for a healthier life doesn’t have to be so difficult. Start with resources like the Fitplan Pre-Workout Nutrition Guide, which includes digestible and actionable steps for optimizing what you eat before the gym.
As you get more comfortable in the kitchen, find simple recipes online (including two from Fitplan below!), watch a quick five-minute video on meal prep to eliminate the learning curve, or even order a meal service that takes the hard work out of it.
This can easily be applied to all aspects of your health. For workouts, choose from fully structured programs or a virtual circuit you can simply follow along with (examples above). Just eliminate all of the unnecessary thinking.
Download Fitplan app to get access to these and other healthy recipes.
Be careful not to use this approach in every aspect of your life. If the task needs your full attention and creative thinking, use it. But with most of our routines, there are areas that can be streamlined. Learn to simplify, see better results, and take back that valuable time.
