6 reasons you are not getting toned - JUST THE TIP TUESDAY!

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I get it, you are sitting here wondering why you are not getting toned after all the time you are putting in those workouts! If your body isn’t as toned as you would like, it may be that you’re committing some key training mistakes, which can unfortunately sabotage all of your efforts!

There are many reasons why you might not have been able to tone your body despite all the efforts.  Here are some of them:

1. You’re doing too much cardio:

Cardio is an essential part of weight loss routine and is very important for your heart health, but doing only cardio or too much cardio can the reason your body is not ready to tone. You need a proper exercise and diet plan to make sure you tone your body right. Here are 6 strength training tips for beginners, we all have to start somewhere!

2. You’re not eating enough protein:

To tone your body the way you want, protein is an important component. They don’t call protein one of "the building blocks of life" for nothing. This macronutrient makes up the major component of all your cells and provides the essential amino acids that keep your bodies up and running. Protein is also a vital component in developing muscle so if you are working out and not eating enough protein your body will have nothing to feed on. Looking for easy ways to add in more protein? Check out 6 meat-free protein sources that have you covered.

3. Poor Attitude:

Having a poor attitude when you are trying to tone your body can be a major factor holding you back. Studies show just thinking that you’re not exercising as much as you should be can be harmful to your health too. Don’t take this as your excuse to just stop doing anything and stop thinking about It all together. Instead, yes you know working out and being active is important to your overall health but be mindful of those negative thoughts that can creep in and the effects they may have on you.

4. Not Enough Strength Training:

If your routines are repetitive and you have been doing the same things for a long period of time, your body will get used to this and you may potentially hit a plateau. Switch your normal strength training routine up regularly by performing more sets, spending more time under tension or minimizing your rest.

5. Impatience: 

Remember, nothing happens overnight. If you are being impatient over losing weight it can be so easy to lose motivation and get discouraged with your fitness results. You may never be able to tone your body if you don’t practice a little bit of patience and know that this is your beautiful journey and it is about time you embrace it.

6. Sleep Deprivation: 

Sleep deprivation or trading sleep off for workouts can cause hindrance to your weight-loss, as you will feel tired and will have zero motivation to go to workouts. You will lose your focus and will not perform as you should. When we are overtired, unfortunately our brain searches for something that feels good. So, while you might be able to squash comfort food cravings when you are well rested, when you are sleep-deprived your brain may have trouble saying no or controlling binge episodes that you may later come to regret.

So in short, it could be a number of things that just require a small, simple adjustment so that you can develop and get that toned body you desire.

Some other mistakes that are commonly made when trying to tone your body and the EASY solutions to these mistakes:

Focusing on the numbers

Let’s switch some things around. You are probably used to counting calories or steps. Focus on the energy and strength you feel and how WONDERFUL and strong your body is. Yes, remain active and stay healthy but remove the intense tracking and simply be aware of it vs. fixating on it. Strive for progress not perfection.

Obsessing over one body part

Can I get an amen? We all usually focus on one body part that we hate or would change about ourselves. Focusing too much on your "problem area" can backfire, causing you to neglect other muscle groups that are as important for your appearance as they are for your fitness. As an online personal trainer I am on a mission to empower women away from obsessing over body parts and the number on the scale and falling in love with themselves while they become their very best!

Shying away from the unfamiliar 

Nothing good ever comes from comfort zones right? I get it, you may feel intimidated by the new equipment or attending that class you have never taken before. THIS may be exactly what you need and have been waiting for! If you've been avoiding free weights, ask a trainer to teach you a few dumbbell exercises; if you've shied away from Boxing, grab a pair of gloves. Getting past your fears also will give you a sense of accomplishment and confidence -- and what could feel better than conquering the unknown?

Stay strong. Be the fire.