Surely I should be skinny by now? What to do when results aren’t happening

When you’ve been working out for weeks on end, going great guns with banishing the junk and sacrificing the beloved vino, you need to know it’s making a difference.

But what if it isn’t?

What if you’re nailing it, but your body isn’t responding yet?

It’s super tough to stick with it. You probably feel like you’re wasting your time.

You’re most definitely not though. And those results will come.

You need to use that frustration and find a way to channel it into extra energy you can apply when you work out.

Not easy I know, but here are a few ideas to get you back on the motivation track.

1. Talk to someone who knows you well. They might be seeing results that you’re not yet. We never see what others do, and their encouragement might be the kickstart you need. I always find that sharing frustrations opens the door to support and advice, and when you’re feeling like this that’s often just the tonic.
2. Try to be objective about other good results happening. Maybe your body hasn’t caught up yet, but your skin might have started to glow more than it used to. Perhaps you’re waking up easier and finding you have more energy in the evenings or dealing with babies disrupting your precious sleep a little better.You might have more patience and feel a little less stressed out. Your workouts might just seem a bit easier than they used to. What you’re doing is making a HUGE difference to your mind, body and soul – and to your family too so IT IS ALL WORTH IT.
3. Focus on why you’re doing this. It’s not just about your body. Ok, that’s a big part of it, but it’s not the whole story. You’re doing this to look after yourself. You’re doing this to give more of yourself for your family. You’re trying to be a better mummy and a fantastic role model for your babies. You’re a real-life super-hero. Everyone around you will benefit from your body and mind getting fitter and stronger. That’s why you’re doing this.
4. Look for simple tweaks. Could you up the ante with your training and make it more intense? Could you adjust your diet any more? The body adapts fast when we challenge it, so if you’re experiencing a plato some small changes could have a huge impact.
5. Keep your workout gear visible. It’ll act as a reminder and keep your workout at the forefront of your mind so you don’t forget to make the time in your day for it.
6. Become accountable. Share your fitness plans for the week on social media and you’ll get support and encouragement from plenty of people. You’ll also feel more committed to your workouts when others are aware of what you’re doing. A friend of mine does this brilliantly and she says it really helps her stay motivated. As a side benefit, it makes me feel jealous that she’s getting all this exercise in and incentivises me to get off my backside!
7. Think about what would motivate you if your current regime isn’t getting you excited. Change it up.
8. Treat yourself to some new workout clothes that make you feel good so you’ll want to wear them. By investing in great gear, your identity will grow as a person who exercises regularly. It’s a big part of your life and who you are.
9. Get dressed in your workout gear, even if you really can’t get motivated to exercise straight away. When you’re wearing the clothes, you’re more likely to at least get some fitness done throughout the day. If it gets to the end of the day and you get undressed without having done anything, you’ll feel awful. You should go to bed feeling amazing!

Do you have any other ideas? How do you stay motivated when it gets tough?