How to Get Through the Third Week of a Fitness and Diet Plan

We all know about Wednesday being the "hump" day. As soon as you are over that hump, things get easier. Well, working out/dieting is the same way. Week one is exciting, and everything is new. You have just created new goals, so motivation is easy to come by. By week two you’re starting to get tired, but those goals are still within arms reach. Then comes week three, which is a whole different ball game. You are tired beyond belief,, and your head is so foggy that those goals seem like a distant thought from years before. This is completely normal, whether you are a new gym member or an elite level athlete. The feelings are all the same.

Most high-level programs run their workout blocks based on a 3:1 schedule-three weeks hard and on week easy. By the third week your body is maxed out. You're tired and you want to quit because your body wants to quit. It's in dire need of rest and recovery. Thus, as you endure the dreaded third week, it is vital that you keep your short term goals in mind. I highly recommend creating flash cards with those short term goals written as affirmations. Starting each card with "I am..." and ending with your specific goal--"I AM ten pounds lighter than I was when I started." "I AM in the best shape of my life." as though you have already reached your goal. The difference between professional athletes and the average Joe isn't talent. What separates the two is mental toughness.

With that being said, I recommend to all of you who are just starting off that if you truly want to make a healthy lifestyle change, take the time figure out how to mentally make it through week three. Revisit your goals over and over again. Decide what makes you tick. Believe you have already accomplished it. With that I will leave you with my favorite quote:

"Thinking," by Walter D. Wintle

If you think you are beaten, you are
If you think you dare not, you don't
If you want to win, but think you cant
It is almost certain you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you lost
For out in the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will
It's all in the state of mind.

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!