There is so much information and misinformation out there about fitness that it is hard to know what to do. What really works? What should you believe? Should you be doing Pilates, yoga, hit workouts, strength training, running, biking… and the list goes on and on.
Speaking about information and misinformation, what about all the information on dieting. What’s best? Keto, Intermittent Fasting, Vegan, Mediterranean? It’s hard to know because the science seems sound on every side.
How often have you looked on Facebook or Instagram and saw beautiful, smiling people exercising with the implied promise that you too can look like that, if only you would do their simple program. Then, how often have you purchased the workout equipment or the program, tried it for a while then put it on the shelf with little to no results; Only to find something else a few months later that seems to be the perfect fit, and again, sadly, it ended up on the shelf.
How often have you tried a “diet” only to end up gaining back more weight than you lost?
It’s a vicious, discouraging and very annoying cycle, right?
Over the past 25 years I have had the good fortune to work with hundreds of clients and found that people who reach their health and fitness goals have seven things in common.
1. They understand that there is no one perfect program and that they need to understand what will work for them.
2. They are patient, build a solid base and then work up from there. In other words, they understand that Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was their dream body.
3. They write down their goals (long and short term) and follow a well- designed personally tailored program.
4. They fit workouts into their lives rather than “deceiving” themselves that they will change their lives in order to fit a structured schedule. That means, for example, people who like to exercise at night will be more successful long term if they plan to exercise in the evening rather than deciding they are going to become a “morning” person. Or, vice-versa.
5. They write down what they eat and eat a healthy version of what they already love to eat. Rather than going on a deprivation diet or one that includes food they hate, successful people learn to “tweak” their current diet to meet their goals.
6. They understand the importance of relaxation.
7. They have a mentor and support system.
So, what’s the bottom line? Your health and fitness goal should be a marathon and not a sprint. Start with a sound plan, find a caring mentor and be consistent and patient. It works like a charm.