This is why your workout regime is not working

In a world where the fitness industry is dominated by new fad diets and extreme exercise plans for quick weight loss, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with the staggering number fitness websites and diet resources available online.

But even with the right resources, many people are unable to achieve the results that they want. If you’re wondering why, here's a couple of reasons why fitness regimes aren’t always as effective as you want them to be:

1. You didn't start from zero

No matter how many workout tutorials you go through, or how many fitness DVDs you watch and fitness blogs you read, you won’t get anywhere if you don’t get out of your rut. If you only stick to fitness regimes you’re comfortable with, you won’t get very far. The key is to get out of your safe zone and try new things to tax your mind and body.

Fitness plans work just like video games do. You start from level 1 and slowly work your way up. Don’t jump into a high-intensity routine on your first day. Let your body get used to the physical activity first. Enlist the help of a personal trainer to make the transition easier. If you’re looking for a qualified professional, you can find several on UrbanClap, an app with several lifestyle related services. They’ll know how to chart out an effective fitness routine that will let you build up the physical tenacity to take on the more challenging exercises.

Jumping right ahead into crazy workout plans can injure you, which is extremely counter productive, so be careful.

2. You're working out alone

When you start working out, ask one of your friends to join you. If none of your friends are willing , make some new friends at the gym and synchronise your workouts.

It doesn’t matter if they’re at a higher fitness level than you. That might just be the encouragement you need to push yourself and get to their level. You’ll be a lot more productive that way. A little competition never hurt anyone and it’s a healthy way to motivate yourself.

It also makes it less likely for you to miss your workout. There will always be someone to remind you to head to the gym when you’re supposed to.

3. You don’t follow the right diet plan

You are what you eat, right? Well, if you’re eating carbohydrate laden food when you should be eating a whole lot of proteins, working out will be an exercise in futility. Depending on your body type, your metabolism rate, and your level of physical fitness, you’ll have to figure out a diet that complements your workouts.

Weight loss and muscle gain are the goal here and if you're starving yourself then you’re going to lose weight in an unhealthy and unsustainable way. Crash diets are usually followed by binge eating, which will wreak havoc on your fitness regime.

Try to eat small meals at regular intervals and do not skip breakfast under any circumstances. Avoid processed food, refined sugars, excessive caffeine, and synthetic energy drinks. Get the right intake of healthy fats from nutrient rich foods like nuts, seeds, fish, etc.

Just as with your exercise routine, make small changes to your diet. Remember, you've conditioned your mind and body to accept a certain kind of lifestyle. Rewiring it takes time, but you’ll eventually get there. Sleep deprivation is also another reason for weight gain. Try to avoid caffeine after noon, as it can interfere with your sleep cycle.

The key thing here is ensuring that you have a well-rounded and balanced diet, which suits your body and schedule. If you need expert advice, you can always consult a dietician or nutritionist. You can find a dietician through UrbanClap, and rest assured that he or she meets all your requirements.