Hi Cheryl,

First up - great site, I really hope you can help me understand what I am doing wrong. I am a 31 year old male 5'9 and 190 pounds. I have always enjoyed exercising but have got myself into a rut. I have been going to the gym for over two years now trying to loss weight and tone up however, I have had no success at all. I sought advice from a gym instructor and had various programs done, but something is off, that I cannot put my finger on. It is hard to describe what the problem is, but it extends to all exercises both cardio & strength training. I will use the bench press as an example:

I cannot create or keep the tension in the muscles that I work out. Almost like there is no force to push against - can't hit the pec's or feel the burn. I can't seem to get comfortable or secure my trunk on the equipment. The major frustration is that I know what it feels like when you have done the exercise right and when you have got your body in the right position.

I am not sure what to mentally focus on, been through the usual list pull shoulder blades back, unlock elbows or not, stick chest out, work on core stabilization etc but nothing works

Started to feel something when I shifted the tension from why lower body to my upper, but at this stage I am so confused and unconfident, that I am not sure what to think. It feels like the problem is internal, if that makes any sense??. In the past I found analogy's helpful but I cannot seem to find any that work. Thanks for your time, really hope you can understand the problem I am trying to describe.

Are there are any books or information sites you would recommend?

Okay I definitely can feel your frustration...and the truth is if you have no passion you are NOT going to be successful with ANY workout regimen....You are definitely in a rut...so I'm going to suggest something really crazy LOL!

I really think you would benefit from a Pilates class....( are you smiling?) because the class Really focuses on your core , technique, and form......especially the classes where you are not on an appartus...but actually performing the exercises on a mat with a flex ball or weight ball.

I always recommend for people to try something completely new and different especially if they're not 'feeling it' anymore....and you are NOT feeling it that's for certain ! : )

NOW, you're probably not losing any weight because you haven't changed your eating habits OR increased your cardio....YOU need to change your cardio workout every 24 days......yeah, it's a lot of work LOL!!!!

According to the BMI chart...you should be around 165 or so....YOu really don't need to lose a lot of weight....and you could reach your goal weight in 3-4 months...realistically !! Seriously !

Find a cardio workout you really really like and commit to it for at least one month..then try something new....I would still recommend you take Pilates for about 6 weeks....I think you'll learn a lot about your body and what position you need to be in ...in order to feel the benefit....

ya know, there's a lot to take in....so give yourself a break.....You have to eat right, the right amount of calories, burn calories, be in the right form, exhale on exertion, keep everything tight, have great posture , have a great attitude...drink enough water....don't eat junk, don't smoke, dont' drink alcohol, EAT fruits, and veggies, and protein, fiber, potassium, Vit E, b1, b2, b6, magnesium, vit C, folic Acid Selenium, Iron.....Calcium, Get enough rest, get enough cardio, make sure you're strengthening your muscles....It's exhausting being ME....LOL !!!

But seriously...your number one goal this week is to get back your PASSION!
Get back to me after your first Pilates class OKAY???

Hope I helped you!
CheryL : )

__________________
Cheryl Greenfield

Former National Fitness Competitor & Finalist
AFAA Certified Personal Trainer & Aerobics Instructor
Fitness Choreographer and Consultant

http://www.exerciseforums.com

Hey Cheryl,

Thank you so much for your quick reply and great advice - that I will implementing. I think you summed up it up perfectly - 'the passion is gone' It seems crazy that something that used to be so easy can be such a source of frustration.......I have taken a break from the gym and focusing on my diet. I weighed myself today and actually I am at 178 pounds, the weight I stated was from couple of months ago - I am sure it is due mainly to diet.

The problem I described has also effected my cardio performance as well......I always tried to do 20 -30 minutes a session 4 -5 times week, again could not focus or get comfortable, I found getting specialty shoes helpful to an extent, my instructor said my balance was off, but offered not much more advice. (Try to do more.....but I smoke....I know.....time to quit)

Pilates (yes I did smile!) I had thought of it and will look into booking a few classes, If possible could you recommend any introduction reading material or books that would be helpful (do not want to bore my fellow classmates with my endless questions or get carried out by the paramedics LOL) I have used with success in the past the Total Gym, are the principles similar??..... and again after a while 'could not feel it'!!!!.

Again, THANK YOU!!! for your time and advice...... I am positive you are helping people reach their fitness goals.