Your New Year's resolution last year was to start working towards a fitter version of yourself. You finally decided to join the gym. You went to the shopping mall and you got all the necessary clothing and gear to put you in the mood and get you all excited about going to the gym. You also selected a high-end gym with all the equipment needed to build a decent physique.
The first week was good, the second week not bad, but, by the third week, you start feeling a bit demotivated. The end result – you have quit the gym! But the million dollar question is – why? Let us discuss some of the basic reasons for which the majority of gym goers end up demotivated and giving up altogether.Reason number 1: Unrealistic expectationsThis is probably the most important reason behind discontinuing your fitness journey. As a novice lifter, you tend to expect to see results almost immediately. And this is not an uncommon mindset in today’s fast paced world. Having been used to instant gratification in almost every other arena, we also start expecting to get a fabulous physique in no time at all. Fortunately, are are still some things left in this world that we can only achieve through hard work and dedication, and this is one of those. It’s not something you can buy. Therefore, whether your goal is burning some unwanted body fat or gaining some muscle mass, you have to be patient. By being patient, you can be consistent, and we all know consistency shows results.Reason number 2: Unplanned dietsIt is true that if you are not a professional bodybuilder, you do not need to meticulously maintain a diet. However, this does not mean joining a gym and pumping some iron gives you the freedom to eat whatever you want. It is essential to find out the right amount of calories you need and then eat within that range to see results. Unless you do that, going to the gym only, will show inconsistent results. Hence, it is most likely that at one point in time, you will inevitably say the infamous words – “I quit”. Therefore, proceed logically, eat enough to perform daily activities and gym work and avoid over eating in every occasion.Reason number 3: Focusing too much on others in the gymSadly, we fail to see our progress when we admire somebody else way too much in the gym. In nine out of ten cases, we tend to overlook what we were and what we have achieved so far. Instead, we tend to look at others in the gym and begin comparing, which is a sure way to start getting demotivating thoughts creep in. In such cases, we should instantly snap out of the comparison mode, and rather ask ourselves – “who are we looking at?” The person with whom we are comparing can be an experienced lifter, has a disciplined lifestyle, knows the workout form better, etc. Therefore, let us rather be hopeful – we can actually be happy with the fact that if we work hard and stay dedicated, then we can be an achiever like the person we admire in the gym.Reason number 4: Feeling lazyThis was not your first promise to get into fitness. You've probably made such promises to yourself at least a hundred time before. But, as already mentioned earlier, without dedication, a fit lifestyle will remain only a dream – never to become reality. You have to take that initiative. One great solution to this problem is to take the journey on a step-by-step basis. Start slow – go to the gym or even workout at home at least twice a week to begin with, then with time, increase your intensity. Another important step can be to start going to the gym with a buddy, someone who will motivate you towards fitness and vice versa.Reason number 5: Improper objectivesIf your objectives are temporary, so too, will be your results. In most cases, people tend to take up fitness regimens to impress member of the opposite sex. We all love attention and if it is coming from the other side it is even better. However, after a while, the trials and tribulations of regular life kick in, and we the initial motivation we had towards fitness. But think twice. Firstly, any fitness incentive should never be done with the intention to impress someone. Rather, think in the long term, and aim towards staying fit in your old age so that you never are a burden to anyone. Think of fitness as an investment to cut down on unwanted medicine and medical bills.
So readers, if you've given up working out for any of the reasons mentioned above, you should rethink. Remember, it’s your health, academic results and prayers that cannot be shared and thus you have work hard to achieve your own!
Reaz Mahmud Fiem is a fitness enthusiast who wishes to help people stay healthy
Thursday, July 23, 2026
