Getting the body you want can feel like an uphill battle—one where you’re constantly fighting against time, energy, and motivation. But have you ever stopped to think about what’s really holding you back?
I’ve been there. At one point, I struggled with many of the same obstacles that might be slowing you down now. Here are four common roadblocks and the steps I took to overcome them.
1. YOU SKIP WORKOUTS BECAUSE YOUR MIND WON’T SLOW DOWN
“I have so much to do—I just can’t make time for exercise.”
I hear this all the time, usually from people frustrated by results they never worked for. Life can get hectic, but a little forward planning can make all the difference.
What to do:
- Make two lists. The first is your “to-do list”—write down everything that needs action, along with deadlines. The second is your “stress list”—a place to offload everything that’s weighing on your mind. Treat it like a diary if needed.
- Schedule your workouts like appointments. If it’s in your calendar, it’s non-negotiable.
- Remember: A short, intense workout beats skipping entirely. Even 20 minutes is better than nothing.
2. YOUR DIET IS A DISASTER
We all go through phases of eating too much junk and not enough real food. Then we get sucked into extreme diets—no carbs, only protein, fasting after 6 PM… hoping they’ll magically transform our bodies.
They won’t.
What to do:
- Eat sensibly. No fad diets. Just real, balanced meals.
- Track what you eat. Awareness is key. Whether you use an app or just a simple food journal, knowing what’s going into your body will help you make better choices.
- Know when to stop. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is put the fork down and walk away.
3. YOU LACK MOTIVATION
You follow fitness models on social media, save motivational quotes, and yet… you still can’t seem to get moving. That’s because true motivation doesn’t come from others—it comes from YOU.
What to do:
- Track your progress. Your own results should be your biggest motivation. Record your workouts and measurements—seeing improvement will push you forward.
- Find a reason beyond aesthetics. Wanting abs is great, but training for strength, endurance, or mental clarity will keep you going when vanity isn’t enough.
- Make workouts a habit, not a decision. You don’t wake up and decide whether to brush your teeth. Treat exercise the same way.
4. YOUR TRAINING IS OUTDATED
Doing the same workout for months (or years) and expecting new results? Not happening. Your body adapts faster than you think, and without change, progress stalls.
What to do:
- Update your program every 4-6 weeks. Change reps, weights, exercises—something. Keep challenging yourself.
- Seek professional guidance. If you’re unsure how to progress, get advice from someone who knows.
- Record everything. Tracking keeps you accountable and helps you spot plateaus before they happen.
