Weight Loss Troubleshooting: 5 Common Workout Routine Mistakes

I get a lot of questions from people who have been exercising for a certain period of time and aren’t seeing the weight loss or fitness results they want.

I mean, fitness isn’t magic. You can’t yell “ABRACADABRA!” and then all of a sudden you’ve reached all your fitness goals. (In my case, being able to climb mountains in a single bound and eat half marathons for breakfast.)

But there are a set of common workout routine problems and misconceptions. By making your workout routine awesome and varied, you can get stronger and faster and better than that one Daft Punk song.

Without any further dilly dallying, here are five common problems with your workout routine:

Problem #1: No Strength Training

Without strength training, you’ll lose muscle mass and get that “skinny fat” look because your metabolism has slowed down. Strength training is key to losing weight and getting fit, and without it, you won’t see results! Make sure you get at least 1-2 days of strength training in per week.

Gaining muscle should be a priority if you want that toned, lean look. Check out my Beginner’s Guide to Strength Training if you want to know where to start!

Problem #2: Too Much Steady State Cardio

Walking on the treadmill for three hours every day can wear down muscles and slow down your metabolism.

More intense workouts are more effective at burning fat, and High Intensity Interval Training has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and help you lose weight! Read more about HIIT here.

Problem #3: No Intense Workouts

Another benefit of intense workouts is that speed up your metabolism faster than a galloping llama.

Intense workouts can still be awesome workouts: climb mountains, go skiing or surfing, or do something active! HIIT and circuit training are the best, but really anything that leaves you sweaty and exhausted counts as intense.

Problem #4: Not Sticking With It

The best workout program for you is the one you can stick to. So find the kinds of activities that you love doing, whether it’s Zumba or P90x. Set goals and try reward-based fitness apps like Gym Pact. (If you join Gym Pact with my link, you get an extra $5 for the first time you workout!)

Problem #5: No Variety

Crosstraining is essential. I’m training for my second half marathon, and I have to do things like yoga and pilates and rock climbing in order to work out different muscle groups and keep improving my strength and range of motion.

Variety is also important for you to reach your strength and weight loss goals, because mixing things up helps keep you interested!

I created the snazzy 30 Day Youtube Workout Calendar, a free program that integrates HIIT and circuit training and strength training to make the most badass workout calendar you’ve ever seen. Check it out if you’re in need of a fun way to see results!

-Amy