Why Many People Quit Workout Plans?

For years, I eagerly purchased training programs, hoping to transform my body and improve my fitness. My focus was on beginner workouts designed for those with little to no training experience. 

Despite starting with enthusiasm, I often ended up overtraining and deeply frustrated. Reflecting on the number of people who pay for unused gym memberships or fail to stick with training programs, it’s clear that many face similar struggles.

The objective seems straightforward: find a suitable training program and follow it until you achieve your goals. However, sticking to a workout plan involves more than just exercise. It requires:

  •     Drinking more water
  •     Getting sufficient sleep
  •     Managing stress
  •     Targeting specific muscle groups
  •     Learning proper exercise techniques
  •     Avoiding overtraining
  •     Preparing and eating healthy meals consistently
  •     Consuming enough protein
  •     Overcoming fears of the gym and working out (fear of rejection and failure)
Andrew Morrill weight trains outside.
Andrew Morrill, co-owner of Athletegy, NYC

The excitement of envisioning the desired outcome often overshadows the reality of changing multiple habits at once. Many programs and books advocate for rapid changes in nutrition, sleep, and exercise routines, promising a better physique, improved fitness, or overall health. 

However, these sources, often written by experienced trainers, may not fully address the daunting challenges faced by beginners.

In my repeated attempts, I underestimated the extent of the changes required. This led to frequent failures. The recipes involved many steps, and the food was vastly different from my usual diet. Eliminating sugar suddenly resulted in intense cravings. 

My stressful lifestyle and late nights hindered my progress. Moreover, getting to the gym was a struggle, and working out at home with limited equipment wasn’t always effective.

Achieving Fitness Goals After Failure

Would it be possible to succeed after repeated failures? A video by YouTuber Colin Murray provided valuable insights into overcoming these challenges. Colin shared his journey to achieving a more muscular body and the ability to dunk a basketball. His approach can be applied to various fitness goals:

    Decide and Prioritize: Decide to change and prioritize it. Find a compelling reason for the change, as this motivation will help you through the initial adjustments.

    Act on the Decision: Start exercising or engaging in the new sport outlined in your plan.

    Keep Things Simple: Follow a basic beginner program to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

    Support Your Goals with Nutrition: Improve eating as straightforward as possible. Stock your home with foods that support your fitness goals.

    Focus on One Change at a Time: Gradually implement small nutritional changes. Long-term goals require patience and consistent, incremental progress.

    Be Patient: Results take time. Concentrate on daily progress rather than expecting immediate transformation.

    Build Habits and Consistency: Establishing consistent habits is often more impactful than the specific exercises in your workout.

    Enjoy the Process: Find joy in the journey toward achieving your goals.

Conclusion

By adopting a patient, systematic approach and focusing on sustainable habits, you can overcome the challenges that lead many to quit their workout plans. Embrace the process, make gradual changes, and celebrate small victories along the way.