One resason for that is the success of “reality shows” showing massive drops in scale weight in a short period of time.
I put the word “reality” in quotation marks, because, lets face it, not many of us can forgo our daily responsibilities, work out 6-8 hours per day and have the majority of our meals prepared for us.
One of my clients told me “I wish I could lose 6-8 pounds per week like those TV contestants." My reply “let's get you to 250-275 pounds, be inactive for the next four to six months and come back and see me. I promise you, you will lose 6-8 pounds every week for a few weeks”.
She didn't like that idea. She's been working out for a few years, eats well about 85-90 percent of the time, works out 4-5x per week, is a great role model for her children and has already lost 80 pounds and counting. Her strength continues to increase as well as her conditioning and she no longer gets tired carrying the laundry up the stairs. She can pick up close to 300 pounds off of the ground, do numerous pushups and other various higher level physical feats that most gym goers take 2-3 years to accomplish.
She is not the client that has any chance of losing 6 pounds in a week.
Her mistake? Discounting everything positive she has done and comparing herself to others.
My client most likely is stronger, leaner, healthier (which translates to lower blood pressure, less chance of diabetes, lower stroke risk etc.). She has lost weight AND kept it off as well as various other accomplishments. I gave the analogy of having 100 trees to cut down and clear in your backyard. Lets assume you woke up at 5:30 a.m. and worked until 8 p.m. You stayed focused, some trees’ root systems were weak and they came up quickly, while others were more of a struggle and took quite some time. At the end of the day, you had 80 of the trees down. I HIGHLY doubt you would walk into the house and discount all of your hard work because you didn't get the other 20.
Thats the philosophy I try to instill in my clients — the 80/20 rule. Do things “right,” hit your workouts, eat good food, avoid alcohol/junk food in excess, do your cardio, relax and be a decent person.
Exercise should enhance your life, not detract from it.
Please re-read that last sentence.
Take home messages:
1. Stay the course. Changes take time.
2. Don't beat yourself up. Follow the 80/20 philosophy
3. Find a reputable fitness professional. Check qualifications
4. If the “professional” is selling various products and every 2-3 months, they suggest a new product for you, be wary. ( If the products worked as they originally promised you, you wouldn't NEED the next one)
5. If they recruit you to sell their product, when 2-3 months prior you were in search of the holy grail... run! Ive been doing this for the last 17 years and I’m always surprised on how much I don't know and how much more I can improve.
6. Work hard. Often. Consistent. Repeat.
I hope this helps you, saves you some money and frustration. As always, please email at our website if you have any questions.
Christopher R. Tybor
Proud Owner
Certified Sports Nutrition Specialist
ChrisFit Personal Training
www.ChrisFit.net
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