Teary Fat Loss Struggles

A client walks intensely in the studio with tears in his eyes. This cheerful person normally comes in with a big smile on his face and about as easy as they come. But this day I could tell something was eating at him. He stares at me and proceed to lift up his shirt and grab a fist full of fat off his midsection. With the obvious look of frustration he says nothing, but I can read his mind, I have seen that look thousands of times.  I glared back at him, shrugged, walk the other direction and continued training the client schuduled just before him.

After the client I walked over and said “what’s up Man!” He says angrily “I need to get rid of this stuff now.”  I replied back “well what are you going do about it!” He stares at me again, and I was waiting for him to say that he needed another diet or eating plan. In which I was going to say “I have given you numerous plans already, why are you not sticking to them." But I didn't have to say anything, he could read my mind.

I stared back waiting for him to continue speaking and he said nothing, but I knew what he was thinking.  Like most people frustrated about no results, he has not been true to his eating and nutritional plan.  I reminded him that no diet or eating plan will work unless you stick to it. In fact most every diet and eating plan can be effective. Some are more effective than others and of course some are safer than others.  

News alert folks your trainer, weight loss counselor or any other expert cannot follow you 24/7 and watch what you are eating, or twist your arm to do any plan. It's on you! When you get that plan you must communicate with your coach frequently, so they can continuously assess your progress. You must give your plan a chance. How can anyone make adjustments if you are inconsistent or don’t follow the plan at least 80% of the time.

At the end of the day you are responsible in the first place. But hey there’s a reason only 15% of people in Americans that diet lose weight and out of that 15% only a mere 2% will keep it off for at least two years.

It’s because sticking to an eating plan is hard as hell and most will not do it. I said will not because it’s about your WILL-POWER!

I Hate to Exercise But I Still Do It

Yes, I am a fitness expert. I have been working out my entire life. I have been a competitive bodybuilder, power-lifter and used fitness to model sportswear, pursue an acting career, look and feel better. I have been working out for over 30 years and can you believe this I hate working out.

Still I workout and will for the rest of my life.

Why? It’s simple, it makes me feel great!  No not, in an emotional way, but more power in my life…..unlimited energy.

But is exercise really fun? 

As a Fitness professional being in the industry for decades, the answer is a resounding “NO!  You are surprised.

I know there are many of you that would say yes you are having fun. Well, if most of you said yes, I really do  not believe you. Are there other activities you would much rather be doing?   For me yes, I can think of ten right off!!

However, I might ask you this question.

So, why is it most of you are inconsistent at working out and / or staying in-shape? I have heard many excuses over the years from friends to family, why they do not exercise.  The excuses I hear most often are:

• I don’t have time,

• I am too tired after work,

• I work too many hours,

• I have kids,  

• And it’s time consuming etc.

 

Honestly, “IT IS TIME CONSUMING.”  But at the end of the day it’s JUST an excuse, it’s that simple!

I had a client that made it very clear that he hated exercising.

This person was paying a fee of $650 a month to train, and he continued to pay for over 8 years.

This guy hated everything about exercising.  He hated the treadmill, he hated weight training and he hated stretching.  He hated the time it took away from other things he thought he should be doing.  However, he never missed a training session unless he was out of town on business.    

It’s been over 10 years later, today this person is still complaining about exercise, but he’s still committed to doing it.

I asked him why after all these years of hating to exercise he's still doing it. He said, “I still hate it EP” he paused for a few seconds and he continued.  You know, numerous times I've missed workouts because of various circumstances, and I can feel my body weakening everywhere.

I’m not as energetic which puts me in a bad mood.  I just don’t have the energy. My body needs exercise and I recognize that I must continue. “The benefits far out weigh any of my excuses.” He ended with “The pros outweigh the cons EP, I still hate exercising but I do it.”

I am laughing, if you could see the scowl on his face and hear the hate in his voice!

He recognizes with his busy schedule, he needs more energy to perform at work. He has more energy after his demanding career to enjoy life and family, his tennis, golf and others activities. He is stronger, and he feels better.

Getting in shape takes long-term perseverance

At times uncontrollable life’s events, may contribute to missing some workouts. You will not be perfect, you will eat foods you shouldn’t have and there will be days your workouts will feel like a waste of time. And yes, there are day’s you simply don’t feel like exercising. 

Nevertheless, believe me, “you must stay consistent,” if you miss a week or two don’t see it as a failure. Just get back to it.

If you have not worked out in months or years and can’t seem to get back the motivation to start again, don’t doom yourself, simply make an effort. Buy a membership, put on workout clothes, or just step on the treadmill. TAKE ACTION.

Don’t…..and I say whatever you do add pressures to yourself by telling others you intend to exercise. Keep it confidential and do it. Do not add undue stress to the action and process of exercising. It will happen, it’s not too late. Just do it!