Reasons Why You’re Not Seeing Changes in Your Physique
If gaining muscle mass was easy, everyone would be walking around with 21-inch arms. Some people think getting a gym membership and hitting the weights a couple of times a week will buff them up.
Wrong expectations while joining the gym is the reason why most people drop out without seeing any changes in their physiques. If you have been working out for some time, but don’t see any positive changes in your body, this is the article for you.
Impatience
Bodybuilding will test your physical and mental strength. You can’t expect to transform your physique in a single week – or even in a month for that matter. You’ll be changing your physique one rep at a time.
So when you join the gym, be ready to put in the hard work and see some calloused hands. Although it might take some time for you to see the results, it’ll all be worth it when you do.
No Mind-Muscle Connection
Mind-muscle connection is indispensable in the sport of bodybuilding. While training you need to visualize what you want your muscles to look like. Bodybuilding isn’t about going through the motions.
There is a reason why gyms have mirrors. If you find it difficult to establish a mind-muscle connection, look at the muscles you’re training in the mirror and squeeze and contract the muscles with every rep.
A Lacking Diet
Your diet and nutrition play a big part in your transformation. You can’t expect to build a physique like Arnold while eating at McDonald’s. Design a nutrition plan while keeping your macro and micronutrients in mind. If you can’t do it yourself, take professional help. Because at the end of the day, you become what you eat.
Ego
If you’re new to the gym, ask for help from trainers or advanced lifters at the gym. No one expects you to know everything about proper form or training programs when you join the gym. Go out and learn everything you can from reliable sources.
Going too Fast
Many beginners make the mistake of trying to do too much too fast. Try making incremental progress. Don’t try to lift more weights every day. Focus on getting the basics right and build on from there.
No matter how hard you workout in the gym, your body doesn’t grow in the weight room. Give your body enough time to rest and recuperate. Performance athletes and high-level executives advocate sleeping for 6-8 hours a day to function at optimal levels.
Not Sticking to Your Guns
Many people make the mistake of switching training programs, supplements, diets too often. Bodybuilding isn’t rocket science. You’ll be better poised to make gains if you stick to the basics rather than hopping around.
You don’t need to try every fad that comes out in the fitness industry. A combination of compound and isolation exercises, a protein-rich diet and some patience and hard work is all you need.
Indiscipline
There will be days where you wouldn’t want to train, but still showing up for your workouts will prove your grit. You need to make a schedule and follow it with army discipline. Show up for your workouts at the same time every day, never miss a meal and take proper rest.
Are you happy with your gains? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
*Header image courtesy of Envato Elements.