Okay y’all; now that we have the foundation for the blog laid out, it’s time to get to the foundation of our new lifestyles in fitness built. Normally you would hear people in this industry discuss core or stabilization exercises as the foundation, but we are going to go deeper. It’s time to target the brain. If you aren’t mentally prepared on how to change your life how can you possibly be on board physically? Arming yourself with the right knowledge will take you further than any amount of crunches you will ever do.
One of the biggest mistakes that people make is trying mirror celebrities. We have all pulled a workout or a diet out of a magazine because Arnold did it or because Beyonce lost weight on it, but in reality it’s probably not a good plan. These people have trainers, nutritionists, and numerous airbrush artists working around the clock to keep them looking their best; so their plan most likely won’t truly benefit the common person. Every person is different; they require different styles of training and different types of meal plans. Don’t get caught up in fad diets or trendy workouts, they come and go for a reason. Just because we want to look like someone doesn’t mean we should do what they do. You are your own person, with your own limits and metabolism; therefore your new lifestyle should reflect all of your needs.
When starting a new diet or exercise program it is always best to get an assessment from both your doctor and a personal trainer. Many gyms will do the assessment for free and offer advice to help you get started, like many of you have done with me at Life Time Athletic Club. Use this time with a trainer to discuss exercises, budget time in your schedule for all of your workouts, as well as basic diet planning. After being approved by your doc to exercise, and evaluated by a trainer, you should have the info you need to begin your program.
Now it’s time to put it all together! Remember it’s your plan; so don’t worry about what Oprah is doing to drop a few lbs or how the contestants on The Biggest Loser lost their weight. Do exercises you enjoy, include foods in your diet that you like to eat, because no plan is going to work if you can’t stick to it. Don’t be afraid to sweat or try new things, the body adapts quickly and so does the mind. I don’t want anyone falling off, so customize this new healthy lifestyle to fit you not what your favorite “A” Lister is doing. And remember nothing comes without hard work and dedication so every time you step into the gym, BRING IT!!
