Weight Loss...the right way!

Whether you're losing weight to be more competitive on the bike or whether you're losing weight to just look/feel good and be healthier...there's a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it.  I'll discuss both ways.

Here's the wrong way to lose weight: and that's through one of these so-called "New Diets" that promise that you'll lose x amount of weight in x amount of time.  I'm not doubting that they won't work, the problem with these fad diets is that you'll end up gaining all the weight back...sooner or later.  The other wrong way to lose weight is through one of the new "gimmic" exercise programs that are advertised at your local health/fitness club.  Again, I'm not doubting that they won't work, the problem with these new fad exercise programs is that they're NOT for life.  And, most of them do more harm than good- especially if you're overweight.  The reason why the health clubs need to advertise these new programs is to stay in business.  That's because everyone looking to lose weight is always looking for the magic workout..one that requires less work..and the fitness centers are advertising this.

Ok, now here's the correct way to lose weight...and that's through eating healthier and smarter and working out daily.  The best part is, it doesn't require any special foods or a fancy gym membership.  For exercise, I recommend three exercies..two of which you can do in your home.  They are: cycling (on a trainer or exercise bike), elliptical training and swimming.  The reason I don't recommend a treadmill and running is because it's too high impact and if you're overweight, you'll ruin your knees.  I'd recommend walking fast, but most people won't walk fast enough to do any good.  An elliptical trainer is a great piece of equipment.  There are plenty out on the market.  All I can say is buy a good one..a commercial grade one.  They start at around $500.  An inexpensive one will only break on you, rust or be unstable.  The second piece of home equipment is an exercise bike or a trainer for your road bike. Again, buy a good one.  If you're lucky enough to have a membership to a health club that has a pool...swimming is a great way to lose weight and get in shape- quickly.  Healthy eating is not only eating healthy foods but eating the correct amount.  I know people who are overweight from eating too much healthy food.  Remember, your weight is determined by the amount of food (calories in) you take-in daily minus what you burn off in exercise.

Just a note, if you're overweight, out of shape, or haven't exercised in a while, I HIGHLY recommend you visit your doctor and get a physical exam.  The last thing you want to do is engage in any kind of exercise program and have some underlying health/heart issue that you're not aware of.

After you have the right exercise equipment the next thing you need to do is: make a goal.  i.e. you want to lose x weight in x amount of time.  When you make a goal, make it realistic.  If you don't you're only setting yourself up for failure.  I recommend not losing any more than 1 pound per week.  Let's face it, you didn't gain more than 1 pound per week so why expect to lose more than 1 pound per week?  So, a good weight loss goal would be 20 pounds in 20 weeks.  If you start now, you'll be 20 pounds lighter by June..the time you start shedding your Winter clothes and revealing more of your body.  That's my goal: 20-in-20.  I know I can do it because I've done it before..by eating healthier and exercising (with the same equipment I recommended above).

So, for now, get your equipment, gym membership, etc. in order and make a goal.  The next blog I'll be talking about "motivators" and a "support group" something that is essential for you meeting your goal.

Until then, POWER ON!  Coach Rob