Hi guys,  Kris from Custom Fitness here, your personal trainer in Amarillo. I am back today to talk about consistency.  It’s easy to dream up big goals, but putting in the effort everyday is where you will win the war.  If you have questions about how to become more consistent in your training or nutrition, give us a call: 806-322-3188.

Have you ever noticed that the hardest part of starting something new is maintaining consistency? Even with the best of intentions, people find that sticking with a new habit can be quite difficult when real life enters the picture. 80% of people who join a gym stop going within 5 months! That’s amazing, when you consider the money wasted on memberships when they stop showing up. The problem isn’t that people don’t want to see results, it is that either a) they don’t have a good action plan, b) they don’t have a strong support system for accountability or c) they’ve put themselves in an uncomfortable situation.

It doesn’t have to be this way! Let’s look at each of these issues individually:

Make an action plan

 In order to achieve great results, you must first decide you’re ready to do what it takes to get those results. No.matter.what. People will tell me, “I’m ready to lose weight”, “I’m ready to eat better”, etc. They know the destination they’d like to get to but not the path it takes to get there. When you set a clear plan of action, you are better able to see the path it will take to get where you want to go and only then can you decide if you are ready to follow that path.When discussing better health, losing /gaining weight, increasing tone and energy, the path involves 3 main components: 1)exercise, 2)nutrition, 3) lifestyle/habit modifications. By putting these 3 pieces together in the right balance, you can achieve results you never thought possible.  

Putting a plan into practice:  

Write down each category.  Next to that write your goal.  For each goal have at least 3-5 baby steps (milestones) that you will view as progress.  People sometimes get discouraged when they have lofty goals, but no good way of measuring their journey so far.  We are black and white type thinkers: I began now where is my finish line?  The reality is, it took you months-years to get to the point you are at; it isn’t going to get better overnight.  We need milestones to have consistency, be motivated, and keep showing up. 

The importance of a strong support system

  No matter what you do in life or where you go, you will need people The human race is built on relationships and interactions. When we encounter BIG moments in life, we look to our family, friends, coworkers, etc. for support and accountability. The simple truth is that if left to our own individual efforts, we would self destruct. It’s way too easy to talk ourselves out of doing what we should in favor of doing something that will have instant gratification.

When it comes to making habits and enhancing our health consistency, the excuses supersede the highest mountains. As a personal trainer in Amarillo, Texas I have heard my share of excuses; why people can’t come to their sessions, why they show up late, why they…you get the picture. Meaning: we can find a million reasons why we don’t really need to stay the course with healthy nutrition and exercises that make us work hard. It’s jaw dropping what our brains will come up with to get us out of being uncomfortable for an hour.  Besides with the multi million dollar fitness industry pushing the latest EASY craze and the nutrition industry pushing the latest frozen food plan, shake, or pills, the human mind often can’t resist the “green grass” on the other side of struggle.  There is no easy ride. If you want it bad enough, you’re going to have to work (consistently) for it — even if that means calling in the big guns (support system). 

Support, Love, and Encourage

I have a friend who is an expert at procrastinating. I mean, I’ve never seen anything quite like it.  We met for lunch one time and she told me she was ready to begin her fitness journey.  We had to have a heart to heart about this: This endeavor was going to require a lot of work on her part. I expected her to show up every session, on time, and with a smile, ready to go.  She nervously agreed. Her husband would call to remind her everyday that she was due at the studio – no excuses.  He wrote it on her calendar.  He we write her sweet notes to find in her gym bag.  Eventually, he didn’t have to coerce her into going, she loved feeling loved while she was doing something tough. Who wouldn’t?  Making a big change? Find someone in your life who can add to your consistency through acts of support and encouragement.

Keep comfort in mind

Okay, NO, I’m not saying you should feel comfy and cozy during your journey to a better you. Putting yourself into a  setting that causes you to feel self-conscious, intimidated, or just down right uncomfortable is a definite way to end some life changing habits before they begin. Some people really enjoy working out in groups where others feel intimidated or overly competitive if they are in a class. Some see the benefit to working alone with a trainer while others may not like that much personal attention. Every person is different, and that’s okay! You know yourself better than anyone. You should take time to assess who you truly are and what setting you feel best in. Sometimes we have to push the boundaries of our comfort zone in order to grow and that’s okay. Other times, we know that if we push too far, it just won’t get done. Moral of the story, find out what works best for you and go that route.

Creating consistency relating to your goals can be challenging. But, when the right thought is put into the process it becomes habitual and enjoyable. Remember though, you don’t have to go it alone. Grab a trainer, friend, or even an accountability partner to enhance the process and help your habits stick.

Need help becoming more consistent in your commitments?  Have any questions about our personal training, nutrition counseling, or group classes and programs? Please contact us at: info@customfitness.biz or 806-322-3188 we are ready to work for you.  At Custom Fitness we are YOUR personal trainers in Amarillo, Texas. Have a great day everybody.