While almost everyone knows the immense benefits of staying fit, maintaining a healthy diet and fitness routine can be challenging.
Studies show that only 28% of Americans meet the physical activity guidelines set by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention. When you compare this stat to the fact that many American adults set fitness goals, it’s clear that most people give up or fail to meet them.
So, what could be the problem? Here are four things that can sabotage your fitness.
1.Relaxed approach to exercise
You’re probably too comfortable if you go through your workouts with a smile. That means your likelihood of meeting your fitness goals is very low. Of course, no one is saying that you should approach exercises like torture, but there’s a reason why most people say ‘“no pain, no gain” when it comes to fitness. You’re not supposed to be in your comfort zone.
Depending on your fitness expectations, you’re supposed to push yourself each time you exercise. That’s why most people who work out in gyms use the term ‘training to failure.’ The more you push your body, the better the results you can expect.
However, don’t forget that your body needs enough rest periods after pushing it hard. Without proper rest in-between workouts, your muscles will not have enough time to heal, meaning you’ll hardly see results. How much rest should you get? Experts recommend a recovery period of 48 to 72 hours.
2. Alcohol consumption
While this point may sound obvious, it’s worth mentioning as many people consume alcohol, including those trying to achieve fitness goals. It’s worth noting that alcohol consumption decreases overall physical fitness.
A hangover, for example, can reduce your aerobic performance by 11.4%. But even just one drink is enough to affect your fitness. That’s because a liver that is busy breaking down alcohol is less efficient at producing the glucose your body needs to energize your workouts. So it’s best to avoid alcohol if you have fitness goals you want to meet. You can consider signing up for or joining a rehab for alcohol program if you’re struggling with addiction.
3. Relying solely on steroids
You’ve probably seen the rapid improvement steroids make to the body when working out. They increase appetite, shorten recovery, and offer the energy boost the body needs, especially for intensive workouts. But while you may see instant results when using steroids, they will come back and bite your overall health down the line.
Studies have shown that reliance on steroids leads to muscle weakness, delayed wound healing, thin skin that bruises easily, and rapid mood swings, among other health issues. Don’t take the shortcut in fitness, as the bad outweighs the good. Instead, focus on commitment, discipline, and patience. Regardless of how long it takes, reach your fitness goals naturally.
4.Taking too many energy drinks
Alcohol has an impact on fitness
Like steroids, energy drinks can increase your energy when working out, especially when you’re short of motivation. However, they can also sabotage your fitness goals. Various studies have shown that energy drinks can lead to dehydration, which can lead to cramps and other muscle problems.
Also, they may have high sugar and other artificial ingredients. Too much sugar can cause fatigue and exhaustion, while the high caffeine content of energy drinks can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure.