Weight Loss and Fitness Goals

If Weight Loss is one of your Fitness Goals for this new year, keep these thoughts in mind from one of our Trainers and General Manager here at CORE, Lisa Chow.

We live in a fast paced society where we are used to having what we want, when we want it. If one of our conveniences goes away and costs us extra time, it can really upset us. I love technology and modern conveniences, but sometimes the mindset they create can cause us to be impatient with things for which there are no modern conveniences. This in turn, can cause us to have unrealistic expectations and potentially quit before we have really given things a chance or to do something unhealthy because it promises quick results. Our behavior and thinking towards exercise and healthy eating can definitely be affected by this. As the year comes to a close and we look back on what we have done and ahead to what we want to do, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Wait for it. You have heard the saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. Why do we often think we can accomplish all of our fitness goals in a day? I see many men and women excited and ready to go for their goals. They are dedicated for a few weeks and then disappear for awhile. Their reason for stopping is they were discouraged because they weren’t seeing the results they expected. If you are exercising at least three times a week and eating right you will see results. You just need to be patient as well as realistic. The healthy habits you adapt should be for a lifetime. The longer you stick with them, the more results you will see.

2. Feel and Act Important. Many of us are probably used to doing everything for everyone else but not for ourselves. We are important too and our health and state of being matters to those we love. Most of us are too busy taking care of others to stop and think about it. It will help those we love if we take time to take care of ourselves. You are worth it.

3. Keep it Simple. Have specific and realistic goals and go for them. Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing or how fast they are accomplishing it. You need to keep your goals in front of you and strive towards them.

4. Look at the Whole Picture. There are more reasons to exercise and eat right than to just lose weight. Keep in mind all the other health benefits of a healthy lifestyle: more energy, less stress, a stronger body, healthier heart and better complexion are some of the many benefits. We don’t walk around with a number on our back flashing our weight to everyone, so don’t focus only on that goal. If you do you will end up missing out on enjoying all the good you are doing for yourself!

5. You are in Control. Exercise works, but you have to do it. There is no magic pill, machine or food. You can’t get upset about how you look and the results you aren’t seeing if you aren’t putting in the work. Take control of who you are and go after who you want to be. It helps to have a friend or someone motivating and helping you along the way. You need to take the initiative and reach out to a friend for support. Personal Trainers are also a great source of motivation and support. Ultimately though, we can’t better ourselves in any way if we don’t have a positive attitude and a resolve to stick to it. Believe in yourself and know that you are worth it!