One of the things I have learned since working out with groups, personal trainers and coaches is the “E” word – EFFORT.
**Warning** This post may sound a bit like a rant like one of my other posts about putting down those light weights but if I didn’t love you enough to tell the truth then there is no need to having this platform. I use this platform to share what I know with others so you have information to research for yourself. Ok here goes – I meet ladies all the time who complain they have been working out for months on the elliptical, treadmill, etc. yet have not seen any changes in their body or results. I am willing to bet, assuming they are following a clean eating diet, that they are slacking on the amount of effort they put out at the gym.
Who wants to spend 1 hour or more at the gym to not break a sweat which is our body’s wait of letting us know it is overheating and need to cool down from our activity? Why be afraid to sweat at the gym? That’s what it’s for and no one else will be offended because typically everyone is sweating.
My favorite saying “If it doesn’t challenge you it doesn’t change you” and the reason that is my favorite mantra is because if you aren’t willing to put in the work and sweat you won’t get the results you are seeking. If you can’t run and must walk on the treadmill crank up the incline to get that heart rate up. Go from 0 to 5 to 10 in 10 minutes (increasing by 1 every minute) and then back down just to crank it right back up to 15 next time.
If you are lifting weights, unless you have a serious condition diagnosed by your physician, 2 lb weights just aren’t going to cut it even while being held walking around the neighborhood. My 6 year old can tout around a 2 lb weight. Unless you just want slightly more weight than your body weight what’s the point?
If you are doing push ups stop defaulting doing them on your knees. Put forth some more effort and get up on those toes and try a few reps in the standard position (you might surprise yourself). I don’t know about you but “E” could also stand for EFFICIENT meaning I want to get the most results (a slimmer, toned summer body) with the least amount of input so going heavy it is for me and something you consider as well.
How much effort have you put forth lately with your workouts?
How have you challenged yourself recently in the gym?
15 Replies to "E is for Effort"
Priya April 5, 2014 (6:36 am)
I love the title and your post. I usually spend 30 minutes in gym and go for regular walks at least 5 days a week but i think you are right. Its time to challenge myself 🙂
o
DSTPRL April 5, 2014 (6:48 am)
Thank you for stopping through Priya.
Karine April 5, 2014 (6:41 am)
Great post! I completely agree with you! It’s insane how people expect something without putting in any effort!
Since I don’t work out (I’m quite lazy actually) I can relate to it in a more relationship/friendship way where people don’t put in any effort in!
I have to say, you have a great blog!:)
http://tropicalcolours.blogspot.com.au
o
DSTPRL April 5, 2014 (6:49 am)
Thank you for coming by Karine. Exercise keeps you young – get moving. 🙂
Nick April 5, 2014 (6:44 am)
E is for Entertainment maybe?
o
Sophie Bowns April 5, 2014 (6:58 am)
I love your blog title! 😉
I try to exercise when I can!
o
DSTPRL April 5, 2014 (7:04 am)
Just try to get something in every day Sophie and soon you find it is a habit vs. a chore. Thanks for stopping by and the compliment.
Brittany April 5, 2014 (10:18 am)
I like to balance my workouts with 80% intense/hard core/sweat my face off workouts and probably 20% lighter workouts like a walk or a hike! BALANCEEEEEE
o
DSTPRL April 5, 2014 (12:56 pm)
Yesssss balance is key.
Delia April 5, 2014 (3:31 pm)
I love this: “if you aren’t willing to put in the work and sweat you won’t get the results” I think it should resonate with us on so many levels! Not just about exercise but any goal you seek achieving.
Thanks for the great encouragement and tough love, Diatta!
o
JenB April 5, 2014 (4:33 pm)
I know that effort IS something I need to work on. I am a creature of routine, and I know I need to push and challenge to change. I tend to get in the quantity, but not quality. Much of my “working out” is merely being active while I watch TV or read a book … it isn’t enough that I really consider it a big “workout”. I have been trying to get in something a little more intense here and there. I do like lifting, and alternate between MY weight routine which uses heavier weight, but which I may stick to exercises I “like” and some DVDs that push me to try something new or beyond what I would do myself.
o
DSTPRL April 5, 2014 (9:16 pm)
I will say pushing may not be comfortable but it is required to improve the health and decrease the waistline. At least you are moving – many aren’t even doing that.
Amanda H April 5, 2014 (6:02 pm)
This is a great reminder and I don’t mind the rant at all. We all need a kick in the butt every now and then! Love your mantra: “If it doesn’t challenge you it doesn’t change you.” Truth!
o
DSTPRL April 5, 2014 (6:26 pm)
Nothing has ever been truer even outside of fitness. Thank you for all of your support Amanda. I truly appreciate it.
Happy Fit Mama ( April 5, 2014 (8:07 pm)
I always would laugh when I’d see people at the gym on a piece of cardio equipment with a magazine and an iced coffee barely moving. What’s your point? You get what you put in!