No matter your fitness level, it can be frustrating when we feel like our hard work at the gym isn\u2019t yielding the desired results.<\/p>\n
But the physical changes that happen to our body as a result of exercise don\u2019t happen overnight. And a \u201cwhy bother?\u201d mentality can hurt your motivation and hinder progress, Brianna Steinhilber, certified personal trainer and TODAY.com health editor, explains.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re unhappy with the results of your workout routine, Steinhilber offers an effective strategy:<\/p>\n
Fitness Tip of The Day: Change How You\u2019re Measuring \u201cSuccess\u201d<\/p>\n
Instead of focusing on what hasn\u2019t changed as a result of working out, try changing your mindset.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeeing measurable progress is extremely important for increasing adherence to a fitness plan and maintaining motivation,\u201d says Steinhilber. <\/p>\n
That\u2019s why she encourages people to redefine how they measure success, especially in the first few months of starting a new workout routine.<\/p>\n
\u201cTry shifting your focus to more immediate results and use those to gauge if a routine is working or not,\u201d she says. These include changes in energy, sleep, mood, strength and inches lost. <\/p>\n
Why It Matters<\/p>\n
\u201cWeight loss and muscle building take time,\u201d Steinhilber says. <\/p>\n
Even with consistent exercise \u2014 five times a week for at least 30 minutes \u2014 plus diet changes, it can take months to see visible weight loss or muscle growth. For example, you can realistically expect to lose 1-2 pounds a week, she adds.<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand how that can be frustrating for people: You\u2019re working out consistently, and you many only lose 4 pounds in a month,\u201d says Steinhilber.<\/p>\n