Fitness guru Tom tells you what to do when your workout isn’t working out
BY LIZ CONNOR IT’S EASY to believe from posts on social media that working out is all smiles and high fives – but that’s not the reality.
There are some mornings where it’s really hard to find the motivation to simply put on your trainers and muster the energy to leave the house.
If you’ve started the year with good fitness intentions, your enthusiasm for those 6am spin classes might now be flagging – especially if your results have plateaued.
When malaise strikes, Tom Forster, a personal trainer and nutrition from Fit Delis (fitdelis.com), believes getting psyched at the idea of hitting the gym is all about rebooting your mindset.
Here’s his advice for getting back on track... 1. Set small, achievable goals If you started the year aiming to lose 20 pounds, it’s easy to give up a few months in when you’re still miles from your end goal.
“Whatever your long-term fitness target, break it down into small and achievable goals,” said Forster.
For instance, if your dream is to get fit enough to run a marathon, he advises creating micro-goals with short-term achievements, like completing a 5K first.
Forster said: “By creating smaller goals, you’ll build a foundation that makes the training rewarding, attainable and ultimately more enjoyable.” 2. Take on the right fuel “Eating a well-balanced diet can help you get the calories and nutrients you need to fuel your fitness targets,” said Forster.
If you’re going into your workouts feeling fatigued and lacking energy, it could be a sign you need to reassess what you’re eating. Make sure you’re getting the right balance of protein, carbs and fats to support your efforts on the gym floor. “Remember, you can’t out-train an unhealthy diet,” says Forster 3. Find a workout friend or group Failing to jump out of bed for that 7am run? Rope in a couple of friends. “Having a support system of friends, or a group with similar fitness targets or exercise interests, allows for greater group accountability,” says Forster.
“These peers will keep you engaged, motivated and are great to lean on during some of the usual training challenges.” 4. Ditch the devices Instagram is great for fitness inspiration, but our digital devices can, at times, serve as a distraction - especially if you’re constantly pausing your workout to reply to text messages.
“During your scheduled workout times, leave your phone in the locker or disconnected so you can focus on the task at hand without any interruption,” advised Forster. 5. Be good to yourself The best way to keep yourself motivated towards your fitness goals is to treat yourself when you stick to good habits.
Forster said: “Reward yourself for your hard work but try to keep the reward as part of your wider lifestyle agenda, such as a spa day or new gym clothes.
“It’s a good idea to talk about your goals to other people too, and maybe even share them online, as that will keep you even more accountable.”
Whatever your target, break it down into achievable goals