Fitness Hacks: They're No Substitute for Effort

In the wellness space, fitness and nutrition "hacks" are incredibly popular. 

Influencers frequently promote trends such as red-light therapy, cold plunges, peptides, saunas, continuous glucose monitors, and heart-rate monitors. 

While the effectiveness of these trends is debatable, their marketing is undeniably brilliant, often suggesting that a lack of results is due to not using a specific product or method.

Some of these therapies and devices do offer genuine benefits. 

For instance, a Garmin watch can provide valuable heart-rate data during training, and a continuous glucose monitor can be helpful for someone who is managing blood sugar, such as a prediabetic individual. Saunas might also contribute to improved recovery and a sense of well-being for some.

However, for the most part, these "hacks" can be a distraction from the critical element required for success: effort. 

Effort is the "hack" that no one can sell you.

From my perspective, people who are looking for a hack often fall into one of three categories when it comes to effort.

1. The Effort Dodger

You understand that effort is required but actively avoid the work that’s required to reach your goals. You're looking for a reason to skip meal prep, walking, strength training and the general work necessary for success. 

You have stated goals, but they are not yet important enough to you. Or sometimes they are goals you think you should have, not true, deeply desired goals. Either way, the half-hearted effort brings very limited rewards and a lot of frustration.

2. The Misguided Achiever

You are genuinely trying hard, but your focus is on the wrong habits. You might have been swayed by "gurus" because you're frustrated and willing to try anything. You're not afraid of effort; you're simply misdirected.

The good part: Once your effort is directed properly, you’ll get results because you’ve got your work gloves on.

3. The Unrealistic Goal Setter

You have real goals but they don't align with the amount of effort you're willing to commit. You're prepared to do some work but not the significant amount required for your great aspirations. 

In this case, managing expectations and being more realistic about what you can achieve with your current commitment is important. If you set goals you can achieve, you’ll build momentum.

The Solution

You cannot "hack" your way to better health. 

While simple tips and tricks can make the process smoother—such as adding egg whites to your scramble for more protein, using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or wearing your workout clothes under your office clothes to save time—they are merely aids. 

The most important element is effort, and it comes solely from inside you. 

I’d recommend you look very closely at your goals.

Are they important to you? Really important? 

If so, ask yourself if you’ll do whatever it takes to accomplish them. 

If the answer is “yes,” I know you’ll find success—and I’d be happy to help you reach your goals.

If the answer is “no,” that’s OK. Focus on other goals until you’re ready to commit to your health and fitness. Just don’t fall for snake oil, hacks and “quick fixes.”

The people who succeed aren’t hacking their way to success. They’re getting their hands dirty and doing the hard work.