When planning or working through an exercise routine, especially one at the gym, it’s easy to lose focus without even realising the fact. Has it happened to you that you’ve been going regularly to the gym for your workout, you’re eating right and you haven’t been seeing any results (or seeing opposite results) for a while? Chances are that, unfortunate though it may sound, you might be a workout slacker. Not talking about missing workouts completely or skipping the gym for days on end, we’re looking at going to the gym but slacking off on your complete workout – cutting corners at every opportunity, hiding your head rather than pushing yourself. Essentially, knowingly not giving it your best shot? Think back, have you ever heard yourself say any of these lines… I don’t want to do a hard-core workout. What does this even mean? None of us are Vin Diesel and so I don’t think any of us are doing a “hard-core” workout anyway. Every instructor or trainer will initially make you lift varyingweights to judge your strength and fitness level. Your workout plan will be drawn up keeping in mind not just your goals but also your current abilities. Every workout is supposed to challenge you, in order that your strength and fitness levels increase. A workout that isn’t challenging is pointless – so, if by hard-core, you mean challenging… then you’re just cheating yourself. I’m actually feeling tired today so I’ll do a light workout. Two ways to look at this  - Physical or mental. If it’s the former then there’s actually no harm in skipping the workout altogether. Always listen to your body and if it’s telling you that today won’t be up-to-mark then take the day off. It’s better to take a day off and come back refreshed than go through a workout in a sour mood. If it’s mental then, simply put, its all in the head. A workout programme has the added benefit of renewing the batteries and giving you renewed energy. No one doubts the pressures of work and commute but your workout couldactually help you wip out that mental tiredness – provided you agree to do so. No, not cardio – I hate cardio, can I do weights today? OR No, not weights today – I hate weights – can I do cardio? An ideal workout should have a balance of cardiovascular and strength training routines. Both routines have their benefits and both are essential for any weight loss or fitness programme. While every person has their preferences, unfortunately, it’s not possible for you to substitute one for the other. At the end of the day, your trainer is not a school teacher. Eventually he will notice that you’r not serious and won’t advise you as seriously and sooner, rather than later, you’ll realise you’re not seeing results. No, I don’t want to do that exercise – Is there another exercise I can do instead? You instructor/trainer keeps several things in mind when preparing a routine. Muscles worked, free weights and machines and strength levels are just some of the considerations that go in to selectinga certain exercise over another. And while there are several exercises that work the same muscle or group of muscles, he has put that set of 2 or 3 exercises together for a reason. Respect that fact and stop behaving as if you’re substituting Diet Coke for regular Coke. And there you have it: If you aren’t seeing results but swear that you’re eating right and swear that you’re “going to the gym everyday,” chances are that it isn’t the workout that’s not working for you but it’s you that’s not letting the workout… work.