Weight Loss and Body Contouring Secrets (Part I)

Bajai Kulture Vol 9.1:02

Weight Loss and Body Contouring Secrets (Part I)
Monday January 5, 2009
by K-C Bajai

First of all the following are more strategies than secrets. Many fitness professionals refer to them as secrets so they can charge you for some supposed knowledge that's not available. The flip side of this tactic is you; unless information is wrapped in some kind of shroud, it's not appealing. Who wants to know what "everybody" knows.

So, now that I've taken the mystery out of this information, if you're still reading it means you're serious about changing your body.

I split this into two parts just to heighten the suspense. And to give you time to digest this.

Secret Number 1: Let's get away from titles that don't fully explain what we're doing. Titles like "going on a diet," "losing weight," "getting toned," or even as I am guilty of (even though it works) getting ripped!! When we decide to "get in shape" we are initiating a "Lifestyle Change." Sounds like a big deal and that scares people. Don't be scrrrd, take a big bite. Go for the gold. This exercise thing is not just about getting toned it's about becoming more healthy and we're going to have to hit on all cylinders right from the start if we're going to be successful.

Secret Number 2: Order from Column A, Column B & Column C - don't be cheap! Column A is strength training. Don't be afriad ladies, and don't give that tired "I don't want to bulk up excuse," (if that's truly a concern email me and I'll explain to you why it won't happen - let's move on.) Column B is cardio-vascular or aerobics training. Column C is... you guessed it, your eating strategy (DON'T CALL IT a DIET!!!) This combination will yield results for everybody, every time (unless of course you have some type of disease, in that case see your doc.)

Secret Number 3: Consistency and Patience. I don't know anybody who woke up one morning twenty pounds heavier than they were the night before. Keep in mind that your slow accumulation of excess fat took years. Think of the last time you were in "shape" and give yourself that many years to get back into shape. Personally i started off with a five year plan. That's right five years. Like I say, take the big bite right from the top. Even if you give yourself a three year plan, by the end of those three years you're on your way to cementing your new healthy lifestyle. Do I have to mention to stick with it??

Secret Number 4: Study. Living the healthy lifestyle is a matter of continuing education. There are always new exercise techniques being developed (not to be confused with exercise gadgets. Most of them, like fad diets, will disappoint you.) In my opinion books are better than magazines when it comes to learning about body mechanics and exercise techniques. Start with something you're interested in. Knowledge is your power, embrace it even when it comes to exercise and especially when it comes to food.

Secret Number 5: Goals and Rewards. For some people exercise is a matter of aesthectics, for others it's being able to compete for others it's staying healthy or just staying alive. Which ever you're after, sometimes these nebulous reason can start to dissipate and you question the effectiveness of your strategies. This is where short term (6-8 week) goal setting comes into play. And with these goals comes the rewards. (Note: rewards should not be counter to your goals. don't drop 5-10 lbs and go out and eat like a pig.) A lot or people, especially women, when they gain weight they go out and get their hair done and then buy bigger clothes. Flip this habit around, treat yourself to a new hair-do, massage or a spa day with every increment of weight lost. Make it significant, 5 or 10 lbs at a time. The more weight lost, the bigger the prize. If you think of this as a game show, it might help.

...to be continued, digest...