Article provided by – Chrissy Newall – Owner Operator/Group Training Instructor
Embarking on a journey to lose weight and incorporate more exercise into your life is a commendable goal that can significantly improve your overall well-being. However, it’s essential to approach this endeavor with a well-thought-out plan and a commitment to sustainable lifestyle changes.
These goals can take planning and time and lets be honest, they won’t happen over-night. When we don’t reach instant gratification we waiver or worse, give up on our goal altogether.
Exercise has many benefits over and above weight loss. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure and improves your cardiovascular system, improves bone density and helps manage hormone levels, improve brain functionality and ease negativity.
Try to focus on the awesome way that exercise leaves you feeling. Get advice on where to start is important to avoid over doing your exercise routine leaving yourself feeling sore, exhausted and disappointed.
A planned approach will help you to ‘stay the course’ and give you mini goals to achieve on a monthly, weekly and daily basis.
In this article, we’ll explore key strategies to help you reach your weight loss and fitness goals.
Set Realistic and Specific Goals:
Begin by setting realistic and specific goals. Instead of aiming for a generic “lose weight” target, define a specific amount of weight you want to lose and establish a timeline. This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your journey.
Create a Sustainable Nutrition Plan:
Adopting a balanced and sustainable nutrition plan is crucial for weight loss success. Focus on incorporating whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while minimizing processed and sugary foods. Consider consulting with a nutritionist to tailor a plan that aligns with your goals and dietary preferences or talk to the Bay City gym staff about the Nourish App tool.
Stay Hydrated:
Our first HOT summer for a while!! Drinking an adequate amount of water is often overlooked but is essential for weight loss and overall health. Water helps with digestion, regulates body temperature, and can even contribute to a feeling of fullness, preventing overeating.
Incorporate Regular Exercise:
Engaging in regular physical activity is vital for both weight loss and overall well-being. Choose exercises that you enjoy, whether it’s walking, cycling, swimming, or group fitness classes. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, as recommended by health experts. Reach out to our team to help with building a weekly workout plan.
Build a Support System:
Share your goals with friends, family, or join a community or fitness group (you have a great one at Bay City Gym). Having a support system can provide motivation, encouragement, and accountability. Consider finding a workout buddy to make exercising more enjoyable and keep you on track. TIP: Workout buddies may fall off the wagon…don’t let them take you with them 🙂
Prioritize Consistency Over Intensity:
Consistency is key when it comes to weight loss and fitness. Instead of sporadic intense workouts, focus on building a sustainable routine that you can maintain over the long term. This will yield better results and help prevent burnout or injuries.
Monitor Progress and Adjust:
Regularly assess your progress and make necessary adjustments to your plan. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and be open to tweaking your approach if needed. Keep a journal to track your workouts, meals, and feelings to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
Get Adequate Sleep:
Quality sleep is crucial for weight loss and overall health. Lack of sleep can disrupt hormone balance, leading to increased cravings and a slower metabolism. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support your weight loss efforts. Lack of sleep will sabotage your efforts so do not lower this priority.
Achieving your weight loss and fitness goals requires dedication, commitment, and a holistic approach. I believe that it also requires self-love and an approach of ‘You Matter!’. If you are healthy and happy you can then lead your own whanau and friends to a happier place with you 🙂
By setting realistic goals, adopting a balanced nutrition plan, incorporating regular exercise, building a support system, and prioritizing consistency, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier and more active lifestyle. Remember, the journey is unique to you, so listen to your body, stay positive, and enjoy the process of becoming a healthier version of yourself.