Certainly! Wondering why so many people fall off the fitness wagon by February? Each year, folks set out on a mission to lose weight or get in shape, only to hit a roadblock around February or March. What's the deal?
A major issue is this start-and-stop mentality. Picture this: after the holiday season, we decide to kick off our fitness journey post-Christmas because, well, Christmas is a whirlwind of indulgence. So, we decide to reset in the new year. The problem is, this approach messes with our overall attitude toward exercise and fitness. I've emphasized the importance of consistency before, so I won't delve into that too much now. The point is, this sporadic workout routine based on the time of year won't lead to success. It's not just Christmas; it's also Easter, summer vacations, birthdays, or moments when you just need a break. Before you know it, you're on and off the diet and workout rollercoaster every other month, disrupting progress each time.
I'm not suggesting you skip the fun times or cancel plans altogether. No way! What I'm saying is, don't write off an entire month just because it's Christmas or you're taking a break for a couple of weeks. Try to maintain your workouts, whether it's running, cycling, or whatever you enjoy. These activities should be part of your routine, taking a break only during legitimate pauses like Christmas when everything slows down for a few days. But just a few days. If you have Christmas parties lined up, great! But don't let your nutrition go completely off the rails just because you're out more than usual. Five nights out plus 3-4 days of Christmas festivities shouldn't be a license to overeat for 30 straight days. That's a bad habit that's likely to repeat itself during the summer or whenever your social calendar is full.
For those new to the fitness game, it's easy to fall into this trap. Another reason for failure is going all out in January, pushing hard, and then burning out. Think of it like a sprinter versus a long-distance runner. The sprinter goes hard but can't sustain it for long. The long-distance runner can go the distance, adjusting speed as needed. Slow during busy times (like Christmas), and a bit faster when you have more free time. But the crucial point? They don't stop.
So, when it comes to fitness, especially weight loss, be the long-distance runner, not the sprinter. The sprinter stops and starts, but the long-distance runner? They keep going.