Do you know why 90% of people in the gym don’t see results? Read this to do your best to be part of the remaining 10%.
However, it wasn’t us at BOXROX who came up with these numbers and knowledge to change your life. We do believe we have such a high authority on this subject. But you know who does? Mario Tomic. Mario Tomic is an entrepreneur who helps other busy working professionals get fit and build a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. He has a YouTube channel account with over 400K subscribers.
Embarking on a fitness journey is a transformative experience that varies significantly from one individual to another. It’s a path filled with learning, challenges, and personal growth. If you’ve been dedicated to your fitness journey for a considerable period, you’ve likely observed two distinct groups of individuals in this realm. The first group consists of those who consistently show up, work diligently, and gradually witness progress, often sharing their milestones through progress photos.
On the other hand, the second group also demonstrates consistency and hard work but struggles to see tangible results, despite their efforts in modifying their programs, caloric intake, and tracking their macros.
The pivotal question then becomes: how can you ensure you’re part of the first group, continually progressing, rather than stagnating like the second group? This article delves into three critical reasons why many individuals don’t see results in their fitness journey and how addressing these issues can lead to significant improvements.

Why 90% of People in the Gym Don’t See Results
Up vs Down
the concept of the ‘upside versus downside paradigm’ is a powerful lens through which we can evaluate our journey and strategies in fitness. This paradigm, borrowed from the principles of successful investing, emphasizes the significance of minimizing losses rather than solely focusing on maximizing gains. Mario Tomic eloquently translates this investment principle to fitness, illustrating that the real key to long-term success lies not in pushing the boundaries of our best days but in mitigating the damage of our worst.
Consistency Over Intensity
One of the most common pitfalls in fitness is the imbalance between consistency and intensity. As Mario Tomic points out, “It’s not the intensity of your workout that shapes your body, but the consistency of your effort over time.” This highlights a crucial aspect of fitness – regular, steady workouts can be more beneficial than sporadic bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by periods of inactivity. The true challenge is not in pushing yourself to the extreme in each session but in maintaining a steady, consistent effort.
Managing Dietary Pitfalls

Dietary habits are another area where the upside versus downside paradigm plays a critical role. Mario Tomic emphasizes, “One weekend of overindulgence can unravel a week’s worth of disciplined eating.” This starkly illustrates how a few days of poor dietary choices can negate the caloric deficit or nutritional balance maintained throughout the week. The focus, therefore, should shift from trying to perfect the ‘good days’ to reducing the impact of the ‘bad days.’ By controlling and minimizing these dietary downfalls, one can maintain a steadier path towards their fitness goals.
9 Things You Should Know About Burning Fat
Embracing the Long-term Perspective
The paradigm also encourages a long-term perspective on fitness, recognizing that sustainable progress comes from a series of small, consistent victories rather than grand, but fleeting, moments of success. Mario Tomic asserts, “Long-term success in fitness is about managing the downside, ensuring that your worst days don’t undermine the cumulative progress of your best days.” This perspective invites us to focus on creating a robust foundation of habits that can sustain us through the inevitable ups and downs of our fitness journey.
By understanding and applying the upside versus downside paradigm, individuals can cultivate a more balanced and sustainable approach to fitness. It’s about recognizing that while peaks in performance and discipline are important, true progress is measured by how we navigate the valleys and setbacks. Through this lens, fitness becomes a more forgiving, realistic, and ultimately achievable endeavour.
How to Make Muscle Gains At Every Level
The Pitfall of Results Attribution Error

The ‘results attribution error’ is a critical concept in understanding why many fitness enthusiasts fail to see the progress they desire. This error occurs when individuals misattribute their lack of results to factors that are not fundamentally responsible for their success or failure. Mario Tomic sheds light on this issue by emphasizing the essential nature of mastering the basics in fitness.
Mastering Fundamentals over Chasing Gimmicks
Mario Tomic advocates for a deep dive into the fundamentals of fitness, stating, “The real secret to fitness success is not found in the latest trend or gimmick but in the mastery of the basics.” This quote underscores the importance of honing skills in fundamental areas such as compound lifting, consistent training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest. These core elements form the bedrock of any successful fitness regimen, and their mastery is what differentiates the successful from those stuck in a plateau.
The Illusion of Activity
Many individuals engage in what can be described as ‘busy work’ in fitness—activities that give the illusion of progress but do not contribute significantly to actual results. Mario Tomic addresses this by saying, “Being busy with fitness is not the same as being effective. The key is to direct your energy towards what truly matters.” This insight encourages individuals to evaluate their fitness routines critically and ensure that their efforts are aligned with practices that yield real, measurable progress.
14 Exercise Myths Debunked by Physical Therapists
The Journey from Familiarity to Mastery
Understanding a concept in fitness and mastering it are two vastly different things. Mario Tomic highlights this distinction, noting, “Many are familiar with the concept of progressive overload, but few have truly mastered it.” This quote points to the gap between knowing what needs to be done and executing it with a level of proficiency that leads to significant results. Mastery involves a deep understanding and consistent application of fundamental principles, transcending mere familiarity.
By addressing the ‘results attribution error,’ fitness enthusiasts can refocus their efforts on what genuinely leads to progress. This shift involves a move away from superficial engagement with fitness concepts toward a deep, nuanced understanding and application of fundamental principles. Mario Tomic’s insights remind us that true progress in fitness is a product of focused effort, consistency, and a commitment to mastering the basics, laying a solid foundation for lasting success.
9 Foods You Should Never Eat Before a Workout
Integrating Fitness into Your Identity

Integrating fitness into one’s identity is not merely about adopting a set of habits; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes health and well-being. This transformative process requires a shift in perception, where fitness becomes an intrinsic part of who you are, influencing your daily choices and long-term goals. Mario Tomic delves into this concept, providing insights on how making fitness a core component of your identity can catalyze profound changes in your life.
Fitness as a Lifestyle Choice
Mario Tomic articulates the essence of this integration, stating, “When fitness becomes more than just an activity but a part of your very essence, every choice aligns with your health and wellness goals.” This quote underscores the idea that when fitness is deeply ingrained in your identity, it influences every decision, from what you eat to how you allocate your time. Such alignment ensures that your actions consistently support your fitness aspirations, fostering a life where health is not an afterthought but a priority.
The Only 5 Exercises You Need to Look Super Jacked
The Joy in the Journey
For many, the journey towards integrating fitness into their identity is marked by a shift in perspective—from viewing exercise and healthy eating as burdensome to finding joy in these activities. Mario Tomic observes, “When fitness becomes a source of pleasure rather than an obligation, you’re no longer chasing results; you’re enjoying the journey.” This perspective highlights a pivotal transition point where fitness enthusiasts begin to derive genuine satisfaction from their fitness routines, transforming what might once have been seen as a chore into a rewarding and enjoyable part of their daily lives.
By embracing fitness as a core part of one’s identity, individuals can experience a more harmonious relationship with their health and wellness goals. It’s a commitment that goes beyond the superficial layers of wanting to look a certain way or achieve a specific fitness milestone. It’s about valuing yourself, prioritizing your health, and finding fulfillment in the habits that sustain your well-being. Through this deeper connection with fitness, individuals can unlock a more sustainable, enjoyable, and ultimately successful journey towards their health and fitness objectives.

10 Rules to Never Have Belly Fat Again
In conclusion, to transcend from the realm of stagnation to notable progress in fitness, it’s essential to understand and apply the principles of the upside versus downside paradigm, focus on mastering the fundamentals, and integrate fitness into your identity. By addressing these areas, you’re not just aiming for temporary success but a lifelong journey of health, strength, and well-being.
Watch Mario Tomic’s video below to fully understand, in deeper detail, why 90% of people in the gym don’t see results.
Read More: 8 Mistakes Everyone Does Trying to Get Shredded
image sources
- Cake and dumbbell: Natalie Hawthorne on Pexels
- Meal plan: Yaroslav Shuraev on Pexels
- drug-test-fail: BOXROX
- Couple doing pull-ups: Anastasia Shuraeva on Pexels
- Leg raise gym: Sule Makaroglu on Unsplash