From a purely physical perspective, beginning a fitness/physique transformation is not the immensely difficult proposition many think it is. Once we have the information we need to successfully navigate the daily routine of good eating, effective training and positive, results-focused thinking it is simply a case of putting this information into action and getting started. Once we know that eating a meal of brown rice and chicken will more effectively enable us to melt off the excess adipose than will a pile of sugar-coated donuts and a gallon of Coke and that morning cardio, rather than sleeping in, will help bring our abs into sharp relief we have no excuses for failure, right?

The biggest problem many have when attempting a fitness transformation is the perception that what they are doing is not producing the results they seek, and to an extent they could be right. After all, the best way to ensure your program is right for you is to try a particular approach, determine its efficacy over several weeks, and modify certain aspects of it, if necessary. If a training program or nutritional regime is not working, don’t become discouraged. Rather, change a few of its variables and continue to assess your results (for example, a predominantly endomorphic individual may realize that they require additional cardio sessions, higher repetitions and fewer carbohydrates). The real key to succeeding over the long-term is to be consistent. Even if a program is not ideally suited to you, utilizing it is better than doing nothing at all (provided it is safe). Once committed to a training protocol the worst thing anyone can do is stop it completely, as in doing so the weight that has been lost and the overall gains that have been made may quickly reverse to where one regresses to their former physical state. Even with the most effective programs, one must be patient and commit to the long haul, as results are often slow to manifest. Be mindful of your body’s resistance to change (typically, observable results, however marginal, may take up to 10 weeks for some individuals) and continue working toward your goals; eventually you will notice positive changes and such progress will further serve to inspire you to achieve greater transformation success. But, whatever happens – and, as individuals, we progress at different rates and should not expect to achieve rapid results because another person has – do not lose faith; continue to incorporate positive fitness changes into your life and wait for the magic to happen.   
 

About the author:

David Robson is a New Zealand-based professional freelance writer, book author, personal trainer and health and fitness expert. With his sound scientific and academic credentials he has helped thousands of people achieve their health and fitness goals both through his written works and guidance. As a staff writer, David’s articles can be read in leading health and fitness periodical Status Fitness Magazine. David can be contacted at: davidrobson19@hotmail.co.nz or at his website: davidrobsonelite.com