It’s Time to Change
If I had a dollar for every time I started my weight loss journey, I’d have enough money to pay for a gym membership, a trainer, and a whole year of Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem combined.
In the past, I’d begin each one of my weight loss endeavors with good intentions. I would purge the pantry of all sweets, ramp up my exercise 
routine and drink copious amounts of water. I would be moving at full speed ahead and then somehow, before I even realized what was happening, I would slip right back into my old ways. Sound familiar?
This yo-yo pattern of gaining and losing, losing and gaining, binging and then restricting in a desperate attempt to stay on board can bring anyone to a point where you literally just want to give up. It can be so painful, so heartbreaking and a really lonely place to be.
You need to reach deep down into your soul and find the reason WHY this time is going to be different? Don’t you think that you deserve to feel better than this? Aren’t you sick of being the person that always avoids having a picture taken? Shouldn’t you be more determined than ever to enjoy a long and healthy life with the ones you love?
Here’s a real story for you. Just over a year ago Anthony John Guidetti (seen in photo) set out on a journey to change his health and his life. He’d be lying to you if he said losing weight was easy. It was a real struggle for him at times. On many occasions he wondered if it would just be easier to give up and go back to his old ways. It seemed like whenever he was ready to throw in the towel, there was someone there to motivate him to keep going. For the last year, one of those people has been Champions Fitness Center’s personal trainer Mike Bidwell (seen in photo). Anthony says Mike is a “Pretty Bad Ass Trainer” and he couldn’t have gotten to where he is today without his help. His message to everyone out there who is struggling to lose weight is to be patient, realize change doesn’t happen overnight, and to keep striving for greatness! He says when you’re feeling low and thinking about giving up, remember to just make it through the day, because tomorrow will be easier to overcome. Today, Anthony couldn’t be any more proud of all that he has accomplished and he continues to set new goals so he has something to work towards!
If Anthony can do it, so can you!
Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Go public.
Most people that are obese are embarrassed and have a tendency to keep things to themselves. For a lot of people, it’s somewhat humiliating to talk about their struggle. However, you’ll find that more often than not, the people that love and care about you are going to be thrilled when you tell them about your decision to lose weight. They will more than likely volunteer to be your support system along the way. Plus, they will help keep you accountable and motivated throughout your journey.
2. Get involved.
Get involved in something official. Whether it be registering for a race, signing up for your first 5k, or taking a spin class three times a week, anything you do that will help you meet people with the same goals is a plus. The ultimate goal is to make your lifestyle change part of your everyday routine and having an obligation and accountability system is crucial to your success.
3. Overhaul your eating.
This is the biggest obstacle for most people. You can’t really become obese without an eating problem, so this means you will have to dig deep, be honest with yourself, and be willing to work hard to make the changes necessary to reach your goals. It also means more grocery shopping and less eating out (sorry). You know what it takes to eat healthy. You just need to stop making excuses and do it.
4. Find something that works for you.
Do you despise running? Then don’t. Do you get bored easily? Stay off the treadmill. You have to find something that keeps you coming back, so choose something you can enjoy.
5. Write it down.
Don’t just rely on the scale to show you how far you’ve come! If it has a number, besides your weight and you are looking to improve it, write it down. Yes, seeing numbers drop on the scale is exciting, but so is seeing numbers fall off your pant size, stopwatch, and belt holes.
6. Know that at first, you will suck.
The first stationary bike session you complete? It’s going to suck. The first time you do a few laps in the pool? Suck. The first mile you run? Suck, suck, suck. The important thing to know is that you will get better. The encouraging news? If you stay with it, it won’t take very long.
7. Set realistic goals.
Don’t go into this thinking, “I have to lose 100 pounds, let’s get started.” You will end up biting off more than you can chew. Aim to reach smaller goals by breaking it down into smaller increments, maybe ten to fifteen pounds at a time. Reward yourself when you hit big milestones.
8. Be prepared for failure.
You aren’t going to be perfect. There are going to be many times when you eat way too much pizza and drink way too many beers. There will be times when you miss three consecutive workouts in a row. Anticipate these occurrences, move on from them, and get back on the wagon. A few missed sessions at the gym will not ruin all of your hard work just like a few thousand extra calories will not sabotage your weight loss goals. It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself and give up, but don’t.
9. Download a Weight Loss App.
For example MyFitnessPal. It may be exactly what you need to stay motivated. You can keep track of everything you put in your mouth and every calorie that you burn during exercise.
10. Ask for help.
Many of us are willing to extend a helping hand, but we’re very reluctant to reach out for help when we need it ourselves. Don’t try to do this alone! You’re success isn’t based on being superhuman or a superhero. It takes a bigger person to ask for help!
11. Try a group fitness class.
You may be someone who is very uncomfortable in a group setting and you may not know what to expect. However, delaying the experience won’t get you anywhere! Group fitness classes will help you build stronger relationships and support systems with individuals with similar goals. It will also help improve your self-confidence. Sometimes getting out of your comfort zone is just what you need to overcome obstacles that are preventing you from reaching your goals! Who knows, you may actually like it.
12. Quality matters.
While it’s important to track how much food you’re eating in terms of calories and macronutrient content, try to focus more on food quality over calorie restriction. Sure you want to lose weight, but what’s more important is the quality of food you put in your body. There’s a BIG difference and your body will thank you for it.
In Conclusion:
I just woke up one morning and decided that I didn’t want to feel like this anymore, or ever again – so I changed. I had lots of excuses for being overweight, for not being able to change, but at the end of the day, they were just that – excuses.
You can say ‘people don’t change,’ but I can tell you first-hand, that it changes people lives for the better every day. The ability to change, being able to change, starts with your decision to change.
As much as we all want a magic pill, there isn’t one. My advice would be this. Stop trying to be skinny and start trying to be healthy. When you do, your weight will take care of itself. The journey will be a challenge, but in the end it will be worth it. Remember to surround yourself with people that support you throughout your journey and don’t forget to celebrate every success along the way! Do it for your health and most importantly do it for YOU!
Go to www.facebook.com/Championsfitness and LIKE us! Did you or someone you know become noticeably healthier, stronger, leaner, and more physically fit from a new commitment to exercise? Let us share your personal success story! Inspire others to get in shape. We want to hear all about it.
I am currently certified by the National Sports Conditioning Association, Apex Fitness Group, and the International Sports Science Association. If you have a question and/or topic you would like me to discuss please e-mail me at isellgraphs@aol.com. If you would like to set up a free consultation with one of our certified fitness professionals please call Champions Fitness at 452-5522.
