Patience
When it comes you exercise and weight loss, it's important that people have patience. I have the pleasure of helping many along their journey to better health. The goal of most is weight loss. Unfortunately, their big concern is the number on the scale, they actually become fixated on it. They want to see it go down instantly. With a true exercise program, you won't normally see those numbers drop immediately. A committed person who is exercising regularly, will begin to lose fat and gain muscle. This is a fact. The numbers on the scale don't always go down right away, this becomes a mental block for many. Although, in reality good things are actually happening. A conversion, of sorts, is taking place. Muscle does weigh more than fat, but also, looks better and takes up less space! This is a good thing.
The first thing one must focus on is how good it feels to move their body. Then watch and wait as the body begins to shrink. The time frame is different for everyone, we don't all have the same genetic make up. So many people get discouraged too quickly and are not patient enough to see themselves through the process. I see so many throw in the "sweat" towel way too early. Here's some tips to help those who are embarking on their own weight loss journey:
P - Patience is the capacity of enduring hardship or inconvenience without complaint. Be patient, the payoff is worth the work. It's called a workout because it does require you to work!
A - Allow yourself to be human, you'll have set backs, pick yourself up and move forward.
T - Toss the scale! You're so much more than a number. This will never define you, don't ever give anything that much power. If you must weigh yourself, do it after you have been committed to exercise for at least three months.
I - Idolize your self. Be your own American Idol, become your biggest fan. Have the same enthusiasm for your body as you have for other things you hold extremely important. If you don't think highly of yourself, who will?
E - Eat like a healthy person. Don't sabotage your fitness success by eating whatever you want. Keep yourself accountable for what you put in your mouth. It's very simple to figure out what is good or bad for you, let's be honest! If you eat junk, you'll feel like junk. Eating right and exercise go hand in hand.
N - Nix the negativity. Negative thinking and talking lead you where you don't want to go. It's toxic and nonproductive. Stay positive about yourself and stay clear of people and places that bring you down.
C - Consistency in exercise is the key to weight loss. Do something physical every day, even if it's only ten minutes. Everyone has 10 minutes to spare, if they really want to. Everyone owes their body at least that!
E - Excellence takes endurance; the ability to last. Do you have what it takes to get the job done. You must endure, it takes not only patience, but determination and strength (both physical and mental).
Are you patient enough to wait for the new you to appear? It's important that people not give up and give in too quickly. Give yourself the time you need to reach your goals. Remind yourself that it didn't take you just one month to gain "X" amount of weight. It's a process and it's not a temporary fix. Think of it as making a deposit in your own personal "health" bank. As you take the time to exercise regularly, your value will surely increase.
