Exercise is always hard

[Anonymous]

Exercise is really hard for me, yet I don’t see any visual results. Sure, I feel better, which was the initial motivation to even start, but I look exactly the same as before I started my workout routine over 3 months ago. I have a personal trainer so I do think I am doing it right. However - shouldn’t I look a bit more fit by now? I am tall, thin, eat well. Also - I always feel like working out is so hard. I took a Pilates class yesterday, and everyone is really good at it, and I struggle. I could be doing this for a year and probably still wouldn’t be able to do all the exercise without little cheating breaks and doing all reps. What’s wrong with me…

[Anonymous]

I don’t think anything is wrong with you. I find it is hard to se (or even feel) results because they are so gradual. Think about it. You didn’t go to bed last night with the body you had 3 months ago and wake up this morning with the body you have today. I’ve heard measuring your arms, thighs, waist, hips can help someone track results, but I’ve done it consistently.

I bet others in your Pilates class take breaks, you’re just not seeing them.

[Anonymous]

To maybe give a reality check on visual results, most normal people who work out don't look like an athlete or fitness professional. They just look like regular people. I've been working out consistently for most of my adult life (30 years or so), and if you saw me you wouldn't say "she works out." But exercise is good for me mentally and physically, and I am able to maintain a healthy weight so I keep doing it.

As for taking breaks in Pilates, if you are doing it right, Pilates can feel like it never gets easier. I mean, it does get easier over time, but it's always a challenge to your body. Same with most workouts if you progressively exercise longer or with heavier weights.

Just hang in there and keep at it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Exercise is really hard for me, yet I don’t see any visual results. Sure, I feel better, which was the initial motivation to even start, but I look exactly the same as before I started my workout routine over 3 months ago. I have a personal trainer so I do think I am doing it right. However - shouldn’t I look a bit more fit by now? I am tall, thin, eat well. Also - I always feel like working out is so hard. I took a Pilates class yesterday, and everyone is really good at it, and I struggle. I could be doing this for a year and probably still wouldn’t be able to do all the exercise without little cheating breaks and doing all reps. What’s wrong with me…

What is the workout routine? If you were doing weight training, you should definitely see results after three months of regular training. I'm obese and a few months ago started a hand weights and kettlebell routine that I only do half-arsed, sporadically rather than regular and without much intensity and yet I'm seeing and feeling the results in my strength and body composition - I haven't lost much weight yet but have lost inches, clothes fit differently.

If you're weight training and seeing/feeling zero results, you might have some kind of vitamin deficiency or other metabolic issues (elevated cortisol) that is preventing the normal building of muscle in response to training. Could be worth seeing an endocrinologist if this nothing response to training persists much longer.

[Anonymous]

It took me a year of lifting weights to see a little muscle definition. It really takes time. Those people in your Pilate class have maybe been doing to for years. I prefer to work out at home, maybe you should too.