Analyzing Your Weak Areas in Your Plan

When it comes to losing weight, gaining muscle, or anything else related to health and fitness we all have our strong habits. Do you know what yours are? I’ve been thinking a lot about this the last week or so and thought now would be a great time to share some ideas with you about this.

Reaching a fitness goal can be broken up in to 3 main tasks: exercise, nutrition, and rest. Some of us are good at 1 out of 3, others are good and 2 out of 3, and few of us actually do all 3. So what are your weak areas? Let’s look at all 3 really quick and help you figure it out.

Area 1 – Exercise

It seems like this is the one that most people have the least trouble with. Granted, there are some people that simply dread going to the gym, but once you get going and start to enjoy it most people can stick with this one pretty good.

Can you spend some time tweaking your workout routine to get more out of it? Definitely! If this is your weak area there are a few things you can do to make it a strong point:

• Have a schedule and stick to it! Start slow if you have to, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it.
• Get a training partner. Having someone that has similar goals work along side you can be a great motivator and help.
• Plan ahead of time. If you walk into the gym without a plan you probably won’t accomplish much. Know what you’re going to do before you get in there so you can stay focused.

Area 2 – Nutrition

To be completely honest, this has always been one of my weak areas. It’s just so easy to eat something I really shouldn’t. I’m sure a lot of you feel the same way!

No matter your goal, whether it’s to lose weight or pack on muscle, you’re going to have a hard time reaching your goals if your nutrition is out of whack. Either you are not eating enough, eating too much, or just not eating the right stuff. Here are a few tips to help:

• Figure out your calorie requirements. If you know roughly how many calories you should be eating for your goals you’ll have an easier time planning what you’re going to eat.
• Plan ahead of time. Sound familiar to the 3rd tip for exercise? Well, the principle applies here as well. If you don’t plan ahead you’ll end up eating fast food, which you and I both know is not the best way to go! Pack your food the night before, cook meals ahead of time, make your life easier!
• Get rid of the junk! Chances are you have some food in your house right now that is not going to help you reach your goal. Get rid of it and start fresh! That, or save it for a cheat meal.
• Have a cheat meal from time to time. These should be scheduled, not just when you feel like it. Having a cheat meal gives you something to look forward to when you have cravings.
• Remember it’s more than supplements! I believe that bodybuilding supplements can help you reach your goals, but not if yo don’t have the rest of your nutrition right. Figure that part out first, then look to supplements to fill in the gaps.

Area 3 – Rest

If you don’t take a break from time to time, or get enough rest in between workouts, you’ll find that you’re not reaching your goals. Your body needs time to recover. This is another area that I know I tend to slack off in, mainly by going to bed too late and then getting up too early.

When you get the proper amount of rest you have more energy. We all know it, but we make excuses on a regular basis and stay tired. Here are some ideas to break that cycle:

• Set a curfew and stick to it! Remember when your parents said “Lights out at 10!” Well, do the same for yourself. Let your family and friends know that you go to bed at a certain time. Come up with whatever reason you have to, but if they know they can respect it.
• Be consistent. If you can get your body on a regular schedule you’ll do a lot better. Figure out as regular of a schedule as you can and then stick to it.
• Plan breaks. You should take at least a week off working out every 10-12 weeks that you work out. This will give your body time to fully recuperate and come back stronger for the next round.

So there you have it. Now it’s time for you to take some action. What are your weak areas? What can you do TODAY to fix those areas and become stronger in them? You can do it. I have some work to do myself. So here’s to both of us!

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