Why You're Not Seeing Results (And It's Probably Not What You Think)

As a coach here at Elizabeth DeHart Fitness, this is a conversation I have with clients all the time. It's that moment when you've been putting in the work—hitting the gym, making healthier choices—but the results you're hoping for just aren't showing up. The frustration is real, and it’s easy to feel like you've failed.

But what if I told you that the reason you're not seeing the changes you desire isn't a lack of effort, but a misunderstanding of what truly drives long-term success? What if the real culprit isn't you, but the societal pressure to go hard or go home?

Let's dive into the truth: consistency is the unsung hero of achieving your fitness goals. It's not the sporadic bursts of intense activity or the fleeting periods of restrictive dieting that create lasting transformation. It's the steady, reliable effort you put in day after day, week after week.

The Intensity Trap: A Recipe for Burnout and Inconsistency

Our culture often glorifies intensity. We see highlight reels of grueling workouts and extreme transformations, leading us to believe that unless we're pushing ourselves to our absolute limit every single time, we're not doing enough.

This "go hard or go home" mentality can lead to a vicious cycle that I've seen countless times:

• Burnout: Constantly pushing your body to its max is physically and mentally draining. It increases the risk of injury, fatigue, and a general lack of motivation.

• The "All-or-Nothing" Mindset: When life gets busy (as it inevitably does), it's easy to feel like if you can't do that intense hour-long workout, there's no point in doing anything at all. This leads to missed sessions and breaks in your routine.

• Unsustainable Habits: Extreme diets and workout regimens are often difficult to maintain long-term. They can feel restrictive and unenjoyable, making it more likely you'll eventually revert back to old habits.

  
  

The result? You might experience initial progress fueled by sheer willpower, but eventually, the unsustainable nature of intense, sporadic efforts catches up, leaving you feeling defeated and back at square one.

The Power of Consistency: Small Steps, Big Results

At Elizabeth DeHart Fitness, my philosophy is all about building sustainable habits that you can realistically maintain over time. It's about showing up for yourself, even when you don't feel like it, and making small, consistent efforts that compound into significant results.

Here's why consistency is the real "secret sauce":

• Building a Foundation: Consistent effort allows your body to adapt gradually. This reduces the risk of injury and allows for steady progress in strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

• Habit Formation: Repetition is key to building lasting habits. When you consistently incorporate healthy behaviors into your routine, they become second nature, requiring less conscious effort over time.

• Sustained Progress: While individual workouts might not feel like they're making a huge difference, the cumulative effect of consistent effort is powerful. Small improvements made regularly add up to significant transformations in the long run. I had a client who started with just two 20-minute walks a week. We focused on consistency, and six months later, they're running 5Ks!

• Resilience: Life throws curveballs. When you have a foundation of consistent habits, it's easier to get back on track after a missed workout or a less-than-perfect day of eating. A small slip-up doesn't derail your entire progress.

• Mental Well-being: Consistency fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy. Knowing you're showing up for yourself regularly builds confidence and reinforces your commitment to your goals.

Finding Your Consistent Rhythm

So, how do you ditch the intensity trap and embrace the power of consistency? This is a core part of my coaching at Elizabeth DeHart Fitness—we find what you love so that consistency becomes easy, not a chore.

• Start Small: Don't try to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight. Focus on making one or two small, manageable changes at a time.

• Schedule It In: Treat your workouts and healthy eating habits like important appointments. Schedule them into your week and prioritize them.

• Find What You Enjoy: Exercise shouldn't feel like a punishment. Experiment with different activities until you find something you genuinely enjoy.

• Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: There will be days when you miss a workout or indulge in something less healthy. Don't beat yourself up about it. Focus on getting back on track with your next opportunity.

• Listen to Your Body: Consistency doesn't mean pushing yourself when you're injured or overly fatigued. Learn to recognize your body's signals and adjust your activity levels accordingly. Rest and recovery are crucial for long-term consistency.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your consistent efforts, no matter how small they may seem. This will help you stay motivated and reinforce positive habits.

It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Remember, achieving your fitness goals is a journey, not a destination. It's not about who can go the hardest for the shortest amount of time, but who can maintain a steady pace and stay committed for the long haul.

Ready to stop the intensity trap and start building consistent, lasting habits? This is where having a coach is a game-changer. We work together to build a consistent, sustainable plan that fits your life, not a generic one-size-fits-all program.

If you want to learn more about a customized plan, just click here to get started.