The Mentality Shift that Makes Getting Fit Much Easier

“No pain, no gain.” But does it really have to be this way? Find out the mentality shift that makes “getting fit” much easier for anyone.

Getting fit might mean different things for different people. There are multiple paths to take to try and change your health and how you look. Dieting is one way, exercising is another, or simply changing a few habits.

However, when trying to get fit, you want to be more agile, more flexible, stronger and, perhaps, even look more muscular and lean. And this is when most people’s mind go straight to the idea that you need to push yourself to your limit almost daily to get results.

Hampton Liu reflected on a significant mindset shift that transformed his approach to fitness. Hampton Liu is a renowned fitness enthusiast, coach, entrepreneur and has a YouTube channel with nearly 4 million subscribers in which he shares his thoughts and tips to get people more active and fit in the long-term.

Check out below what was this mentality shift that made him understand that getting fit does not have to be so difficult as most people portray.

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Source: Courtesy of CrossFit Inc.

The Mentality Shift that Makes Getting Fit Much Easier

Liu, raised in a military household, absorbed tales of gruelling training sessions that left a lasting impression on his perception of what it meant to train hard. His father’s stories, filled with excruciating hikes, rope swings, and intense physical challenges, painted a picture of training as a struggle for survival.

In his early adulthood, Hampton questioned the effectiveness and healthiness of such extreme training. Conversations with his father revealed that the military training wasn’t aimed at promoting long-term health; instead, it focused on developing mental endurance for life-threatening situations. Recognizing the discrepancy between this intense training and his fitness goals, Hampton embarked on a journey to redefine what a truly effective fitness routine looks like.

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Hampton delves into the common misconception that an ideal fitness life requires extensive time, motivation, and energy. He prompts his audience to envision their ideal fitness routine, often shaped by media influences like movies and cartoons where characters undergo intense training montages. The image of waking up at 5:00 a.m., jogging for miles, hitting the gym for hours, and maintaining a strict diet is a common narrative.

However, Hampton challenges this narrative by highlighting that most fitness goals—building muscle, increasing strength, improving mobility, and losing fat—don’t necessarily demand such time-consuming and intense routines. He shares eye-opening facts, stating that some people can achieve muscle growth and strength with as little as one set a day, taking just a few minutes.

Source: Courtesy of CrossFit Inc.

The crux of Hampton’s message lies in the importance of a mindset shift. He emphasizes that the ideal fitness routine, often perceived as an insurmountable mountain, doesn’t align with the more achievable and realistic goals most individuals have. By understanding that optimal health doesn’t require extensive time commitments, Hampton advocates for crafting a fitness routine tailored to individual goals.

Hampton breaks down the complexity of fitness routines, offering a more straightforward perspective. He suggests that a foundation of fitness can be established in just a few minutes a day, debunking the myth that achieving significant progress requires hours of dedication. Hampton’s own experience of shifting away from exhaustive routines and embracing shorter, more focused workouts serves as a testament to the effectiveness of this mindset shift.

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In conclusion, Hampton Liu’s transformative mindset shift in fitness encourages individuals to reevaluate their approach. By understanding that fitness goals can be achieved with shorter, more strategic routines, he empowers others to break free from the perceived barriers of time, energy, and motivation. The key, as Hampton illustrates, lies in simplicity, adaptability, and the realization that progress is achievable even in the midst of a busy life.

Of course, you should know that if you train hard every day you will get results, probably faster. However, the underlying information from Liu’s story is that consistency is the key. And if you are not accustomed to, or ready for training hard 5 times a week, dieting and keeping an active lifestyle, changing from one day to the next might prove an uphill battle that you more likely will fail.

Consistency will get you far, be it with little improvements in your fitness life or joining a gym to go multiple times a week.

Watch the video below for more information.

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Consistency in training for health and fitness yields a myriad of advantages that extend beyond physical well-being. Firstly, regular exercise forms the cornerstone of a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. By incorporating consistent training into your routine, you establish a foundation for overall wellness, promoting cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and flexibility. This holistic approach contributes to the prevention of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, fostering long-term health benefits.

Secondly, a consistent training regimen fosters mental well-being. Exercise is a powerful mood enhancer, releasing endorphins that act as natural stress relievers. Over time, this can lead to improved mental resilience, reduced anxiety, and enhanced cognitive function. The psychological benefits of consistent training extend to increased self-esteem and body confidence, creating a positive feedback loop that reinforces motivation and commitment to fitness goals.

Moreover, the discipline cultivated through regular exercise transcends the gym or workout space. Consistency in training builds habits that permeate various aspects of life, promoting self-discipline, time management, and goal-setting skills. This holistic development enhances one’s ability to navigate challenges, both in fitness pursuits and daily life, fostering a resilient and adaptable mindset.

Source: Courtesy of CrossFit Inc.

In the realm of physical health, consistent training contributes to weight management and optimal body composition. Beyond aesthetic considerations, maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of obesity-related conditions and promotes better metabolic function. Regular physical activity also strengthens the immune system, providing a natural defense against illnesses and promoting overall resilience to external stressors.

Lastly, the social aspect of consistent training cannot be overlooked. Engaging in regular exercise often involves participation in group activities, classes, or sports, fostering a sense of community and support. The social connections formed through shared fitness endeavors contribute to a positive and encouraging environment, enhancing motivation and accountability. Ultimately, the advantages of training consistently for health and fitness encompass physical well-being, mental resilience, personal development, and a supportive social network, creating a holistic approach to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

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