There are some folks who start a workout program and follow a diet and start to see results seemingly immediately. For others, it seems like no matter how much work they do, there is very little to show for it. I’ve been in this boat myself and while it’s easy to give up on things and declare that, “Being in shape just isn’t possible for me”, the truth is that it can indeed be done. If you’ve been putting in the work for a few weeks or perhaps months and don’t seem to have the desired results, it’s time to make adjustments. Here are some of the problems that could be throwing things off in your process.
- Not Enough Time Has Lapsed
There is a real issue within our society of not giving things enough time to take hold and really develop, in order to show results. This is especially true with losing fat or gaining muscle. After all, we tend to feel like we should have amazing results after putting in a few weeks worth of work at the gym, and having the muscle soreness and fatigue to show for it.
However, this process is an extended one. Yes, you can get results in the short term BUT, the results that you’re probably looking for are going to take time. I can remember times when I needed to shed fat, getting frustrated after two or three weeks and had only lost 2 lbs. The thing of it is…results aren’t necessarily linear. Meaning, you might stagnate for weeks on end and then lose 3-4 lbs, the very next week. This happened all of the time with me and had I given up, I would’ve never learned this lesson.
Don’t get drawn into the realm of the quick fix. Remind yourself daily, that this is a process, and every bit of work and sacrifice is getting you closer to your ultimate goal.
2. Your Diet is No Good
Diet is the most important aspect of both losing fat and gaining muscle. Yes, you have to workout, but if your diet isn’t on point, the working out isn’t going to have very much effect.
Again, on a personal note, I have lifted and done cardio on a consistent basis before while paying no attention to my nutrition. Working out 4-5 times per week, I was still 20+ lbs away from having six pack abs. Sure, I had muscle and my physical capabilities were much better than the average person who didn’t exercise, but I was just spinning my tires.
I had to learn that I cannot fight the nutrition aspect and expect to get good results.
This meant that I had to give up eating and drinking certain foods and getting my caloric intake inline. Once I stopped resisting, the fat started coming off, and within a few months I was in the best shape of my life. It is much easier to do cardio workouts when not carrying an extra 25 pounds on your body.
Don’t justify to yourself eating that sugary snack or beverage because, “I worked out today”…unless you’re in a caloric deficit, it won’t really matter.
What’s Your Actual Goal?
There are people in the gym, who are there everyday for months on end, and get no results. Yes, it’s related to their poor diet, but also the fact that they don’t have a clear goal in mind.
“I want to lose fat” is not an actual goal. I mean, how much fat? In what time frame do you want to lose it? What’s your diet like? Do you want to gain muscle as well?
Be specific with what you want to achieve. It not only allows you to adjust when things aren’t working correctly, but it also allows you to have a specific result that you’re aiming for. Motivation only takes you so far. There are days where you really won’t want to do anything. As such, you need a plan and specific results in mind in order to keep you on track and not give up.
4. Following the Wrong Program
Another big factor that is preventing people from hitting their fitness goals is the completely random way they workout. It can be a good thing to switch up a routine and make the body adjust to the new stimulation. However, just going into the gym and randomly using different equipment is going to achieve haphazard results.
Consistency needs to be a part of any workout program. Yes, getting in shape takes hard work, it isn’t a simple 10 minute daily process and then pretending you’ve achieved something so that you can go home and eat more food. Get a routine, stick with it, and give it time to show results.
Need A Program to Get the Results you Desire? Try this!
What is Visual Impact Muscle Building?
The original VI program is a 3 phase program which lasts a total of six months designed to get you that lean and cut look similar to Brad Pitt in Fight Club, Taylor Lautner, and other Hollywood actors. This program is NOT about adding bulk in whatever form it may come. Rather, the goal is to create as Rusty says, “a sharp-angular look” not the standard bulky ‘meat head’ physique.
I think that most guys want to have some decent muscle mass and have the cut physique that drives women wild and not the huge, steroid monster look that will have them running in fear. Getting in shape isn’t all about the chicks but why not take the benefits that go along with it?
Phase 1 of the program is broken down into 3 separate days and has more of a focus than the other two phases on gaining proficiency and mass. I think that naturally skinny guys would do well to repeat phase 1, so that they could add more muscle before really cutting down in the latter phases. For me, I had to skip the deadlifts and squats in this phase due to an old back injury.
What really changes in between the phases besides some of the exercises is the rep schemes, which is designed to create a certain type of physique and not just add muscle randomly. Below is a link to a video where Rusty Moore explain this in more detail:
Who is this program for?
I think that skinnier guys who want to gain some muscle yet retain their leanness would do well with Visual Impact Muscle Building and probably won’t need the cardio program.
Guys who have fat to lose would do well to combine this program with the cardio program, like I did, to really help create a great physique.
What does this program cost?
$47 for Visual Impact and $37 (as of now) for the Cardio program…when purchased individually. Buying both programs usually results in a huge discount for the second one (I think it was 50% off). Really for six months worth of workouts that works out to roughly 26 cents a day in order to help transform your body.
Is the cardio program difficult?
It can be brutal sometimes. It builds up over the program and the last few weeks look pretty damn challenging. There will be weeks in which 5 days a week is commonplace, so it is important to monitor your body and know when to take a break. Overall, I love it. I love having to push myself through workouts because I know that the results are already taking place and I cannot wait until I’m completely chiseled.
Here are some of the perks of Visual Impact Cardio:
- No more guess work. Specific workouts you can tailor to your own fitness level.
- Special Advanced cycle designed to help you get really cut.
- Intense workout to help build stamina and endurance.
- 3 separate, 8 week cycles, which can be repeated and modified as you get stronger.
- The reasoning behind everything is explained in simple, easy to understand terms.
- Can be downloaded instantly, you start right away.