Let’s dive into the most crucial element of fat loss and body transformation: Consistency.
I know, I know, it sounds simple, but so many of you have told me that sticking to a routine is where you struggle the most. So, let’s break it down and figure out how to make consistency your best friend in your fitness journey.
The Struggle Is Real. 😫
Picture this: you’re all fired up, you’ve got your new home gym equipment, and you’ve prepped all your meals for the week. You start strong on Monday, but by the time the third week rolls around and the scale hasn’t budged, you’re ready to throw in the towel. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. This is a common scenario, and it’s often because we’re focusing too much on the scale as the only marker of success.
Redefining Success ⭐
Success in your fitness journey isn’t just about the number on the scale. There are so many other ways to measure your progress:
📏Inch Loss: Often, you might be losing inches off your waist even if the scale doesn’t show a significant change. Inch loss is a great indicator of fat loss and is actually better for your health than just weight loss.
🏋🏽♀️Strength Gains: Are you getting stronger? Can you lift heavier weights or do more reps? That’s progress!
⚕️Health Improvements: Changes in cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and energy levels are all markers of success.
🏃🏽♀️Mobility and Flexibility: Are you able to move more freely or perform exercises you couldn’t before? That’s a win!
👗Clothing Fit: If your clothes are fitting better or you’re able to wear sizes you haven’t in a while, you’re definitely making progress.
🩹Pain Reduction: If you’re experiencing less pain in areas like your knees or back, that’s a sign that your body is getting healthier.
Focusing on the process rather than just the end result is key. Are you preparing your meals in advance? Are you sticking to your workout schedule? Are you staying active throughout the day? These are the habits that will lead to long-term success.
The Timeline of Transformation
Remember, transformation takes time. Here’s a general timeline to keep in mind:
- Weeks 1-3: You might start to see some inch loss.
- Weeks 3-6: Your clothes should start to feel a bit looser.
- 90 Days: Others will start to notice and compliment you.
- 6-12 Months: This is when you can expect a full body transformation.
The Power of Habit
Did you know it takes on average 66 days to form a new habit? So, if you’ve been consistent for more than 66 days, you’re likely on your way to making these changes a permanent part of your lifestyle. But remember, it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days, so be patient with yourself. For me, it took about 30 days to make walking a daily habit. Now, I’m hitting 15,000 steps a day without even thinking about it. It’s all about finding what works for you and sticking with it.
I hope this inspires you to stay consistent. Trust me, once you hit that 60 to 90-day mark and those habits are firmly in place, you’ll start to see significant progress.
