Fitness

 ADAM SIMPSON

IHAVE been in the health and fitness industry now for almost 15 years, so I have been around for long enough to see many of what I believe are the shortcomings of the industry.

In a perfect world those of us in the fi tness industry would be able to help everyone achieve their health and fi tness goals.

I have listed below where I think the health and fi tness industry falls short and what you can do to navigate it. 1. Unrealistic Body Images on Social Media – We have all seen the perfect body images of fitness influencers posted all over social media. It can be all too easy to compare yourself to one of these fitness influencers, then spiralling your own self confidence down the drain. My advice is to stop comparing yourself to these photos, comparison is the thief of joy. You need to remember that often these photos are highly photo shopped, use clever lighting and have a fitness model who has literally dedicated their last few months to get themselves in shape for the perfect photo. Instead, track your own progress and only compare yourself to how far you have come. I guarantee it is going to make the process that much more enjoyable. 2. Conflicting information and confusing messages – After speaking to loads of people over the years, a common thing I hear is that people are confused on what they need to eat or drink to get in shape. I can completely understand how easy it can be with all of the mixed messages out there. From carnivore, to vegan, to keto, high carb, low carb and everything in between. My advice to you is stick to the basics, eat plenty of fresh fruit and veggies, lean cuts of meat and quality sources of carbohydrates. Limit how much processed food you are eating and be mindful of the total calories you are consuming. Your best bet is to book yourself in with a qualified nutritionist and speak to someone who specialises in all thing’s food. 3. Quick Fix schemes – Often I see programs or dietary protocols being sold as the quick fix to all of your health and fitness problems. The truth is, there is no silver bullet to getting your fitness where you would like it to be. It takes time and patience, you must spend the time working on building better habits that you can stick to long term. My advice is to find an exercise program you enjoy so you actually do to it. In addition, make small dietary changes that you don’t find too hard to implement. Often small changes can lead to big results, you just need to

be consistent with the habit you have changed. 4. Over Complicated or Extreme

Programs – Your fitness program does not need to be overcomplicated; you just need to be consistent. Stick at it and the results will come. Like quick fix schemes extreme programs are sold to be the magical answer to all of your problems, the problem is they are very hard to stick to long term. My advice is to set yourself a minimum standard on how many days a week you will commit to. Some weeks you might have more time and feel really great, by all means train that bit harder or more frequently. But the results will come from all of the weeks that you hit your minimum standard. Consistency is truly the key.

Trainers operating beyond their scope of practice – Most trainers just want to help their clients get results anyway that they can. Trainers are oft en the fi rst point of contact when it comes to questions around nutrition or even niggling injuries. It can be quite easy for a trainer to overstep the mark and put together a detailed nutrition plan or advice on an injury. My advice to you is, go to your trainer for training, your physiotherapist for your injuries and seek out a nutritionist for customised nutrition plans.