Be willing to do what it takes

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Most people walk into the gym with an expectation to get in shape, lose weight, improve their physique or gain strength.  The problem lies in the individual’s misinterpreted understanding of the process to attain the results.  Information is so prevalent today.  In fitness, this creates a wide range of methods and opinions.  As having diversity within our industry is a positive, it can completely confuse the general public.  My program is simple and no nonsense and all about mastering the basic principles in fitness.  Drink water, eat to support your goal, workout consistently and repeat.  Yet, this confuses people. 

Here’s my example:

Client asks: “What should my nutrition look like?”

My suggestion:  “Drink 8 x 8 oz. cups of water, eat 2 servings of vegetables everyday, eat a fist size of protein with every meal and limit your junk calories.”

Client asks: “Shouldn’t I watch my carbohydrate intake?”

My suggestion: “Don’t worry about that right now.  Focus on your water intake, eat your 2 servings of vegetables a day and a fist size of protein at every meal.  Then we will go from there.”

Client asks: “What about intermittent fasting?  Should I try that?”

My suggestion: “Not right now.”

Client asks: “Ok, so I just need to drink more water, eat vegetables everyday and be aware of my protein intake?”

My suggestion: “You got it!”

This is a frequent conversation in my office.  As I try my best to keep it very simple and specific for the individual that I am coaching, their perceptions are misconstrued and complex.  They have this expectation that a complete lifestyle overhaul needs to happen for them to be successful.  They have read about dieting and weight loss and have this hodgepodge idea of what it takes to achieve results.  And that is where the problem resonates.  Completely overhauling your life may work for a few weeks.  But sustaining this extreme lifestyle is very difficult to achieve if you haven’t taken the necessary steps to get there.  That is why I believe in the long-term process and building a lifestyle to support your goals, one day at a time. 

Here are a few things to think about:

·      What do you want?  And are you willing to do what it takes?  These are two vital questions to ask yourself.  Because you must be willing to do the work to attain the results.  This creates personal responsibility and in regards to achieving your goals (in fitness or any area of your life), personal accountability is the vessel to achievement. 

·      Be honest with yourself.  Are you logging all of your calories?  The nibbling or snacking that is going on throughout the day?  How about measuring out the wine you will drink tonight?  Is it really 7 ounces in each glass instead of 4?  Are you counting out your almonds you are eating?  Are you getting in your weekly workouts?  Success lies in the details. 

·      If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably really good marketing.  Listen, let’s not sugarcoat this, getting fit and in shape takes a tremendous amount of work and dedication.  This is a life long journey with no finish line.  Sure, I encourage setting specific goals throughout the year; give yourself a carrot to chase after.  But just understand that life will go on after the initial date has been set.  You need to create a lifestyle that will continue the process. 

·      Are you habitually following through on the basics?  Drinking adequate amounts of water, eating 3-4 servings of vegetables, consuming approximately half your weight in ounces of protein, 15% or less calories coming from “junk calories”, and consistently working out?  Master the above components before moving on to anything more complex.  Seriously, it could be this simple. 

·      It’s vital to getting into a habit of working out basically everyday. This will create a more efficient calorie burning machine. Work your butt off, eat the right foods MOST OF THE TIME and be consistent.  And indulge once in awhile.  Life is short.  Find a healthy balance. Life should not feel like you are on some extreme diet all the time. No fun there! Build the healthy habits and allow some flexibility.

·      Start small, act now and adjust as you go.  There is no need to overwhelm yourself by adding 23 new lifestyle hacks into your already busy life.  This is a recipe to quit.  Instead, choose two, no more than three things to focus your attention on.  Master what you are working on before you move to other habits.  Just make sure to act because action is required to achieving results.  Once the ball is rolling, you can adjust the plan at any given moment.  Evaluating and adjusting will keep you progressing in the direction of your goals. 

You can get lean and in great shape and still enjoy your indulgences once in awhile.  It’s looking at the big picture.  If 80% of your meals do not support your goal, then you probably are not getting the results you want.  Be honest with yourself, be willing to do what it takes and be consistent; this is the recipe to achieving your fitness and lifestyle goals.  Make it happen!

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