Persistence is the Key to
Fitness Success
It’s New Year’s resolution time again and it’s pretty
obvious that this is the busiest time of year around fitness and weight
loss centers. But, did you know that by the end of February more than
70% of those motivated, committed individuals that followed their “resolutions”
into a fitness or weight loss program will have quit.
I know what you’re thinking…. “ that’s not me…
not this year” With a little guidance, you’re right, this
year you will be successful.
It’s not all your fault either. We are bombarded by marketing from
diet programs, fitness equipment, gyms and magic pills that promise unbelievable
results in just a few short weeks. It’s easy to see why they do
this, it’s how they sell their products. And, if you don’t
get results this time it’s likely that you’ll try their next
great product or program and spend even more money.
The fact of the matter is that a healthy body transformation will take
a reasonable amount of time. Your fitness program failures in the past
may simply be a matter of not sticking it out long enough.
Think about it… how long did it take you to get into the shape
your currently in? I’d bet that it took some time to put on that
extra weight. It didn’t happen overnight, did it?
Now, when you start this new fitness program take a moment to set some
realistic expectations that will help to insure your success. Here are
a few ideas that will help:
- The first 3-4 weeks of an exercise program can produce any type of
result. You may lose weight, you may gain weight, you may get immediately
smaller or it may feel like your clothes get a little tighter. Your
body is making changes and that’s a good thing. Often times people
will gain some lean muscle tissue prior to losing any body fat. This
leads people, especially women, to believe that the program doesn’t
work or that they are bulking up from the weight training. Let me assure
you that this is effective progress and you will lose far more fat in
the coming months if this is the case.
- The scale is not a great indicator of success. Your weight may not
go down even though you are losing inches and getting smaller. Lean
tissue (muscle) weighs far more than fat by volume, so if you gain five
pounds of muscle and lose five pounds of fat you will be smaller but
not lighter. So stay off the scale and watch for changes in the way
your clothes fit in the second and third months.
- Focus on the good things that are happening. Look for the small changes
that happen quickly. You stand taller, your joints feel better, you
have more energy and you are investing quality time taking care of yourself.
- Enjoy the process. Take pride in the fact that you are making time
for yourself and doing something that will improve your quality of life
for years to come. Train with a friend or find a coach to hold you accountable.
In any case, seek a fitness program that you enjoy, and can look forward
to on a regular basis.
Be persistent and a little bit patient with the results of your fitness
program and this will be the year you finally put to rest that same old
resolution about losing weight and finally getting fit.
Happy New Year!
Travis Speegle, author of “STOP WORKING OUT! – A Simple
Effective Guide to Improving Your Body and Life in Just Minutes a Day”,
has been effectively coaching individuals and companies alike to realize
their own unique success since 1989. For more information visit http://www.stopworkingout.com
& http://www.stocktonft.com
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