We know exercise is a key to maintaining a lean, strong, well-functioning body, but there are those of us who have tried, and exerted energy, perhaps even a bit of sweat, and the payoff just failed to reveal itself in the mirror.  This common malady leads people into the pit of abandonment.  Oh, yes, this is a horrible place, where hope dwindles with every passing day.  There are many entrances into the pit, but there's only one way out.  I'm going to pull you out . . . right now . . . by revealing that every single entrance to abandonment is very simply a fixable exercise mistake! The lifeline, the rope that pulls you out of the "exercise isn't for me" pit, is simply the knowledge that exercise works . . . for everyone . . . if a sound result-oriented strategy is applied.  If an exercise doesn't work, there's a reason, and the following short list sums up most of the reasons a program might fall short. If you fail to increase the challenge when the body "adapts" to the present workload, results come to a complete halt. Positive Physical Change is the result of asking the body to do more than it's used to and allowing for protein synthesis and enhanced neuromuscular activity to result in greater muscular size and strength. When you continually ask the body to force a resistive load it's grown accustomed to, the need for growth ceases.

If you fail to allow for adequate downtime and recuperation, the body is limited in its ability to optimize improvement.  Exercise is the stimulus, but improvement and new cell development is optimally performed while the body is at rest.  Failing to allow for sufficient rest limits the potential for improvement and excessive stress without adequate relaxation can lead to increases in cortisol production further limiting fitness potential. If you exercise too long, too intensely, or beyond your present recuperative ability, the exercise sessions can move you in a negative direction.

There are other "if's" that can lead to mistaken assumptions unless you recognize them.  Here are a few more: If you fail to exercise with sufficient frequency (minimum 3 - 4 times per week), the exercise is unlikely to result in consistent improvement. If you neglect resistance exercise, you're going to find fat loss for the long term a challenge. If you neglect the aerobic exercise component, you're going to put a limitation on the body's ability to efficiently perform as well as the body's ability to mobilize fat and optimize health and well being.

GETTING ON THE RIGHT TRACK Exercise doesn't have to be complicated, and I can help anyone find significant if not dramatic improvement with only 6 movements and a minimal commitment.  If you've just risen from the pit of abandonment, if you're willing to give it another try, if you've been stuck in the exercise duldrums, or if the voice in your head just said, "Phil's right, exercise will work for you if you get the formula right and stick to it," here are some very simple guidelines that "work" for anyone at any level of fitness.

Be sure to incorporate some resistance exercise and some aerobic movement. Be certain the exercise sessions are challenging, but not exhausting, ideally you'll feel as if you're at a "7" or "8" on a scale of 1 - 10 (10 being the most difficult). Be certain you get the resistance exercise at least three days per week, the aerobic movement at least four. Be certain to . . . OK . . . here it comes . . . the other element that must be in place if you expect the exercise to pay off . . . . be certain to make the most supportive food choices possible.

With those simple guidelines, and a focus not on overnight transformation but on conisistent progress, results are literally guaranteed! Additional Articles on Result Oriented Exercise: Ab Exercises For a Flat Tummy The 8 Basic Resistance Training Exercises Why Health Club Machines Are Inefficient