Just like the best golfers in the world make the game look easy, fitness influencers and trainers on social media often make exercises look effortless. We're sold quick fixes, 6-pack abs in 30 days, dream bodies with 10-minute workouts, the list goes on from hundreds upon thousands of people on the internet.
Well, we have news. The reality is very far from that.
Not only is exercise itself challenging, but many other factors, like being consistent, contribute to why training is not easy.
If you are struggling with comparison to what seems like "everyone else" on the internet, this post is for you. Read on for a strong dose of reality and remember, "comparison is the thief of joy." - Theodore Roosevelt
1. It Takes Time
Training requires time away from relaxing, sleeping in, that after-work beer, or pre-work donut. You need to allocate a specific amount of time to exercise. Start gradually and build up to as much as you can, ideally 2-3 hours a week.
2. Lack of Motivation
We all lack motivation at times. Even the fittest person at your gym and your favorite influencer on Instagram have days when they struggle to get motivated. You can't rely solely on motivation; you have to be disciplined.
3. It’s Not Always Fun
Not everything in life is about having fun, being entertained, or relaxed. You have to do some things you don’t want to do to get the results you desire. Just like not many people enjoy going to work, but appreciate the money they earn, exercise requires effort and perseverance to enjoy the benefits.
4. Cost
Fitness can cost you time and money. While you can do bodyweight workouts at home, going to a gym and getting a world-class program can provide benefits that far outweigh the costs. Investing in your fitness is investing in your health.
5. Injuries
If you’re injured, you might have to train around it. A good doctor will never advise you to rest completely with an injury; you need to rehab it and continue training other parts of your body.
6. Patience
Results won’t come immediately. Many see results after a few weeks of following a program like my Lift Heavy, Swing Fast Program, but you still have to put in the work and be patient.
The Bottom Line
Deciding to improve your health and fitness will be the best decision you ever make, both on and off the course. It’s not just for you but also for your family, who wants you to be healthy and in their lives for a long time.
