‘I’m a gym expert – this is the common mistake during workouts’

Signing up the can be a big commitment that sometimes people struggle to keep up with.

At the beginning of the year, a number of gyms offered discounts and deals for those who wanted to kick start their new fitness goals.

However, maintaining that routine isn’t always easy. Many might think it is a lack of discipline but there are a number of reasons as to why someone might end their gym journey earlier than expected, and most of them are extremely common.

Beth Smith has been a for three and a half years, helping people achieve their fitness goals. One thing she noted was that people’s attempt to make ” too many drastic changes at once” can lead often lead to that gym discouragement.

She told : “Truly changing your lifestyle takes weeks, months and years of patience and consistency. Trying to do a complete 360 flip on your lifestyle is not only unsustainable, but it will also lead to quick burnout.”

Instead of making those big changes, according to Beth, implementing “small habitual changes that overtime become part of your lifestyle,” is the way forward.

The PT also revealed why being the newbie at the gym can cause a bundle of nerves.

Beth explained: “The new year brings in a lot of people who are novices to the gym, and therefore, their knowledge on certain machines and how to use them is minimal.

“It happens far too often where people are too scared to ask for help, leading them to walk straight past the machines and into the cardio section. When you aren’t familiar with your environment, it can be overwhelming and scary, so this can lead to people not coming back.”

Fortunately, the expert gave some reassurance and advice to encourage those who might be feeling disheartend.

She added: “Remember; the staff who work at gyms are there to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Or even better, have a consultation with a qualified trainer who can give you that direct support on the gym floor to ensure that you remain consistent to the goals you set out in the first place.”

So for those who want needed that bit of motivation remember “don’t be disheartened when you don’t see progress straight away,” says the personal trainer. “Focus on the journey you have set, and the results will follow.”

Beth also offered some valuable tips for those who are struggling with their fitness resolutions but can also help with those who aren’t new in the gym and just need that bit of uplifting.

For the newbies, she advises to be “realistic” on what will work with your current routine. “First aim to hit the gym two to three times a week and see how you get on.”

What most people like to do when they enter a gym is “lift heavy weights and get a good sweat on”.

However, the personal trainer who also has a master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Nutrition revealed that eating a diet that supports your fitness goals is also vital in order to achieve your goals.

Beth shared: “Something I always say to my clients is that the work that is done outside of the gym, is just as important as the work we do inside! So ensure that you are eating a healthy, balanced diet that is catered to your goals, in order to compliment your progress within the gym.”